The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (C.A.P.) is applauding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who made a request for the Pope and the Catholic Church to apologize for their role in Residential Schools.

Previously, Pope Benedict XVI had expressed sorrow for the deplorable conduct by some members of the Catholic Church.

The request was made earlier this week during an official visit to the Vatican, during a private meeting between the Pontiff and the Prime Minister.

C.A.P. National Chief Robert Bertrand said that while there is still a long road to reconciliation, an apology from the Catholic Church would go a long way to healing old wounds.

National Chief Bertrand added that even though this is a step in the right direction, the federal government must make further efforts towards reconciliation.