Released by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)
Saturday, November 15, 2025

Today, as announced in a joint statement by the Holy See and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Pope Leo XIV gifted 62 Indigenous artifacts to the CCCB. This gift, initiated by the late Pope Francis, is linked to the Jubilee Year of Hope and represents the Church’s ongoing friendship with Indigenous Peoples, built on trust and mutual respect.

With profound gratitude to the Holy Father, the CCCB will proceed, as soon as possible, to transfer these artifacts to the National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs). The NIOs will then ensure that the artifacts are reunited with their communities of origin.

Before passing earlier this year, Pope Francis had indicated that this gift was intended to help the Bishops in Canada take further steps in the Church’s reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples. By honouring Pope Francis’ wish, Pope Leo XIV continues to support the Bishops in Canada in their relationship-building efforts with Indigenous Peoples.

“The Holy Father’s gift is a tangible sign of his desire to help Canada’s Bishops walk alongside Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of reconciliation during the Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond,” said Bishop Pierre Goudreault, CCCB President. “It reflects our shared commitment within the Church to walk together with Indigenous Peoples, as well as our desire to support Indigenous communities in accompanying younger generations in passing on and valuing their heritage. Pope Leo’s gift marks another milestone in honouring Indigenous histories, customs, and cultures. As CCCB President, I would like to thank the National Indigenous Organizations for their openness and collaboration in this work. I assure them of the Church’s unwavering commitment to reconciliation.”

Read the Joint Statement of the Holy See and the CCCB:

• In English: Joint Statement of the Holy See and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
• In French: Communiqué commun du Saint-Siège et de la Conférence Épiscopale du Canada

Learn about the CCCB’s work to walk alongside Indigenous Peoples:

• In English: https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/
• In French: https://www.cecc.ca/peuples-autochtones/

Source: Pope Leo XIV’s Gift of Indigenous Artifacts to the CCCB - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops