Vatican rejects 'Doctrine of Discovery' used to justify colonialism

The Vatican has formally rejected the historical 'Doctrine of Discovery' used to justify the colonial-era seizure of lands. During a speech, Pope Francis acknowledged the historical struggles many Indigenous nations experienced across the world.

A person holds a sign reading "Recind the Doctrine of Discovery" as Pope Francis arrives to meet with Indigenous people at Nakasuk school in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, on July 29, 2022. - Pope Francis flew to the Canadian Arctic Friday to meet Inuit survivors of Catholic-run schools where Indigenous children were abused over a span of decades, in the final stop of a landmark tour apologizing for the Church's role. The 85-year-old pontiff travelled to the vast northern territory of Nunavut's capital, Iqaluit, which means "the place of many fish." Residents greeted him with traditional music including throat singing on a stage set up beneath an overcast sky. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP) (Photo by VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images) Source: Getty / VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images

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