The image is by Gregorio Borgia/AP. People protest as Pope Francis meets young people and elders at Nakasuk Elementary School Square in Iqaluit, Canada, last July. The Vatican on Thursday formally repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery.” The theory is backed by 15th century papal decrees that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands and form the basis of some property laws today.
For the offical statement, see: Joint Statement of the Dicasteries for Culture and Education and for Promoting Integral Human Development on the “Doctrine of Discovery”, 30.03.2023
For a discussion of the wider context, see: The Vatican repudiates ‘Doctrine of Discovery,’ which was used to justify colonialism by Bill Chappell (March 30, 2023)
For a Māori response, see: Rejection of Catholic conquest and ‘white supremacy’ law not enough: advocate by Tom Hunt (April 2, 2023)
