Doctrine of Discovery: What Is It and Why is Pope Francis Being Asked to Denounce It?

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Pope Francis is facing calls to rescind a centuries-old policy called the ‘Doctrine of Discovery,’ stemming from a series of edicts, known as papal bulls, dating back to the 15th century, which states that white European nations "discovered" North America when they first arrived on the continent during the age of exploration.

The Catholic Church and several countries, including Canada, used the doctrine to justify the seizure of Indigenous lands.

Protesters interrupted the Pope’s morning mass at the Sainte-Anne-de- Beaupré Basilica outside Quebec City on Thursday to demand the pontiff rescind the long-standing edict.

Meanwhile, Canada’s bishops are working with the Vatican on a plan to address the issue, according to organizers of the papal visit.

Neetu Garcha has more on the doctrine’s devastating impact and the growing calls to abolish it.