Canada's Indigenous peoples have not received an apology from Pope Francis for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

A letter from Bishop Lionel Gendron, the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, says Pope Francis does not shy away from acknowledging injustices and past wrongs, and he has encouraged the Bishops to continue to engage in an intensive pastoral work of reconciliation, healing and solidarity, but stops short of an apology.

Kyle Mason is the founder of the North End Family Centre and a steering committee member for the Healing Forest of Winnipeg. He's also the son of residential school survivors. Mason says his initial response upon learning of the Pope's response was sadness and disappointment.

"For my parents and for myself, hearing the recognized leader of all the Catholics in this world admitting that mistakes and sins happened and offering a sincere apology is an important thing," he says.

Mason says he has a lot of respect for Pope Francis.

"I think Pope Francis has done a lot of good work when it comes to helping and remembering the poor, the marginalized, people in the margins who tend to get overlooked," he says. Mason adds he hasn't agreed with everything Pope Francis has said and done, and on this particular topic he's quite sad and disappointed.

"I was hoping that obviously there would be a different response," says Mason.

April Blackbird is the daughter of two residential school survivors. She says to move forward and heal an apology is needed.

"We need those who have wronged us to admit (it) and take responsibility for their part, and the continuing aspect of... the ongoing colonization of our people," says Blackbird.

An apology from the Pope was one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also expressed disappointment over Pope Francis' decision.