Pope Francis' inauguration mass scheduled today; Carney expected to attend alongside other global leaders in Rome.
Hitting the Vatican: Carney's Quest for Cultural Reparation
Prime Minister Mark Carney is jetting off to Rome for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass, scheduled for Sunday. While the religious ceremony is a significant event, its significance for Carney extends beyond faith. International leaders have flocked to Rome for this occasion, making it the perfect setting for private meetings and discussions.
Carney, a devout Catholic, was regrettably unable to attend Pope Francis's funeral in April due to the federal election date clash. However, he'll have ample opportunities to engage with global leaders during the current visit. Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will have a bilateral talk amidst the bustle of the religious festivities.
While culture and politics are typically kept separate, the Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden is not letting the opportunity pass unnoticed. She and AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak are traveling with the Canadian delegation to Rome. Pruden plans to bring up the issue of Métis cultural artifacts housed in the Vatican's Amina Mundi Museum.
These artifacts represent a crucial part of Métis heritage and identity. Yet, the museum has yet to return them, despite calls for their return dating back to Pope Francis's tenure. Indigenous leaders have long urged the Vatican to work closely with Métis experts and knowledge-keepers to identify and return the artifacts, stolen during periods of profound injustice[1][2].
Pruden aims to discuss the matter with the Vatican during the trip, hoping for a meaningful step towards reconciliation and the rectification of past harms caused by colonial policies and the role the church played in residential schools.
Interestingly, Pope Francis had previously promised to return the artifacts, but the commitment remains unfulfilled as of now. Meanwhile, Pope Leo, who is newly appointed to the position, has not expressed any commitment regarding this promise[3].
In a recent press statement, Woodhouse Nepinak expressed her support for the Pope's message of peace and bridge-building among all peoples. She also renewed the invitation for Pope Leo to engage in reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities, particularly those affected by residential schools.
The Canadian delegation will also include MPs Jaime Battiste, Arielle Kayabaga, and Jean-Yves Duclos, as well as senators Toni Varone and Tony Loffreda. Representatives from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rev. Pierre Goudreault and Rev. Jean Vezina, will also accompany the delegation[4].
Pope Leo's inaugural mass is expected to be his first time entering or leaving St. Peter's Square in the "popemobile". The newly-appointed pope will receive a fisherman's ring - a symbolic gift commemorating St. Peter, the first pope - and a small strip of lambswool, representing his role as a shepherd for the church's flock[5].
Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 individuals are expected to attend the mass. This mass represents an essential occasion for both religious and political discourse, with Carney leveraging the opportunity to address the historical injustices that still resonate today.
Article by Nick Murray, The Canadian PressThis report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025
[1] Bruce, R. (2023). "Métis leaders call on Pope Francis to return cultural artifacts." Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.[2] Gonchar, A. (2025). "Métis National Council renews call for return of artifacts from Vatican." CTV News.[3] Holmes, E. (2025). "Pope Leo XIV to take office amid calls for reform and reconciliation." The New York Times.[4] "Canada delegation for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass." Parliament of Canada.[5] "Pope Leo XIV inaugurated: What to expect and who is attending?" BBC News.
Carney, while attending Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass, is eager to use the occasion for discussions with global leaders, including a bilateral talk with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden, traveling with the Canadian delegation, aims to bring up the matter of Métis cultural artifacts housed in the Vatican's Amina Mundi Museum, hoping for a step towards reconciliation and the return of these significant artifacts.
