The Archbishop of Winnipeg says it has all been a misunderstanding.

Last week, the Canadian Conference of Canadian Bishops released a letter to the Indigenous People of Canada on behalf of Pope Francis. It states that the Pope is aware of the the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but after carefully considering the request of Call to Action 58 , he felt he could not personally respond.

Archbishop of Winnipeg, the Most Reverend Richard Gangon says that it's not that Pope Francis refuses to apologize for the abuses at Catholic-run residential schools, rather he cannot specifically respond to Call to Action 58.

"As you know, Call to Action 58 said that the Pope must come to Canada almost immediately, very quickly and apologize to residential schools. The Holy Father said he cannot personally respond to the call to action as framed," explained Archbishop Gangon.

He adds the Pope is open to considering a trip to Canada at some point, as long as his health allows him, and that meeting with indigenous people would be a top priority. If he is too ill, he will send his successor.

Archbishop Gangon says the Pope believes that reconciliation needs to take place at the local level, as far as the catholic church is concerned and indigenous people.

"It's a slow process, but you know the reconciliation in the end, institutions don't reconcile. Reconciliation in the end is between people. That is why the local level is so important because that is where people meet one another. So, that challenge will be for quite awhile, but you know progress is made," said Archbishop Gangon.

"We have been engaged in connecting with first nations people throughout Canada. Every region is a little different, the history is a little different.

"The Pope has simply given us an encouragement to continue in this work of engagement and concrete and pastoral initiatives in the communities and the cities."