The ministry that ran the Kamloops Residential School and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops are sharing statements regarding last week's horrific discovery on the grounds of the former school.

Richard Gagnon, who serves as Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that he is expressing his "deepest sorrow for the heartrending loss of the children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation" on the behalf of Canadian Bishops in a statement made Monday.

"The news of the recent discovery is shocking. It rekindles trauma in numerous communities across this land. Honouring the dignity of the lost little ones demands that the truth be brought to light. This tragedy profoundly impacts Indigenous communities, with whom many people across this land and throughout the world now stand in solidarity."

Along with the statement of sorrow, the Archbishop says they are making a commitment.

"As we see ever more clearly the pain and suffering of the past, the Bishops of Canada pledge to continue walking side by side with Indigenous Peoples in the present, seeking greater healing and reconciliation for the future"

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who were the administrators and teachers at the Kamloops Residential School, released a statement on Sunday, saying they are expressing their "heartfelt sadness and sincere regret for the deep pain and distress the discovery of the remains of children buried on the grounds of Kamloops Indian Residential School."

They say the discovery has led to a growing awareness of what happened is leading them to "listen deeply" and learn from Indigenous communities where their group remains, ministering.

"Through our own ongoing reflection, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we are growing into a deepening awareness of the damage caused to indigenous peoples, the enduring harm caused by colonization and the part our religious order played in it through the residential school system."

The Oblates say they are committed to reconciliation and healing.

'We lift up prayers to the Lord for the children who have lost their lives and pledge our close accompaniment of Indigenous families and communities," Gagnon says.

However, many say that the Roman Catholic Church has not done enough. The Pope has not made any statement on the most recent discoveries and still has not apologized for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

Actions 58 through 61 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action specifically address how denominations should begin work towards reconciliation. Action 58 calls for "the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families, and communities for the Roman Catholic Church's role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in Catholic-run residential schools. We call for that apology to be similar to the 2010 apology issued to Irish victims of abuse and to occur within one year of the issuing of this Report and to be delivered by the Pope in Canada."

In 2018 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally called on the Pope to apologize and was rejected.

Action 61 calls "upon church parties to the Settlement Agreement, in collaboration with Survivors and representatives of Aboriginal organizations, to establish permanent funding to Aboriginal people" for a variety of programs. To date, the Catholic Church has not made any financial restitution or commitments.

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Edited to add information on calls for apology from the Pope and actions from the TRC.

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