Vatican returning 62 Indigenous artifacts from across Canada – 89.3 The Raven

Nov 17, 2025

62 cultural objects from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities will be returned to Canada on Dec. 6 after Pope Leo XIV gifted them to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) on Saturday, said a joint statement by the Vatican and the conference.

A statement said the Pope has given the objects to the CCCB, who “are committed to ensuring that these artifacts are properly safeguarded, respected and preserved.”

“The CCCB will proceed, as soon as possible, to transfer these artifacts to the National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs). The NIOs will then ensure that the artifacts are reunited with their communities of origin,” the Canadian bishops said.