A MESSAGE from Pope Benedict XVI earlier this month in which he touches on the plight of Aboriginal people “places great importance on reconciliation”, says Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission executive officer Peter Arndt.
In light of the message, Mr Arndt has called on parishes, schools and Church bodies and agencies to continue to play their part in promoting reconciliation.
Pope Benedict XVI urged the Australian Government to seek forgiveness from indigenous Australians and address the “deep underlying causes” of their plight.
The pontiff told Australia’s new ambassador, Anne Maree Plunkett, on May 18, that Aborigines’ predicament caused him much pain.
The call from Mr Arndt came as the CJPC launched a resources kit for National Sorry Day on May 26 and National Reconciliation Week from May 27-June 3.
