On the second stop of his "journey of penance" to Canada, the Pope repeated his plea for forgiveness for Church injustices against the country's indigenous people on Wednesday evening.

However, in a lengthy address to politicians, indigenous representatives and diplomats in Quebec, he did not go beyond what he had already said in Maskwacis on Monday.

"Various local Catholic institutions were involved" in the "system of residential schools promoted by the government authorities of the time".

"For this," said the Pope, "I express my shame and pain and, together with the bishops of this country, I reiterate my request for forgiveness for the evil committed by many Christians against the indigenous peoples".

It is "necessary to admit one's own guilt" and to work together for "legitimate rights of indigenous peoples" and to promote healing and reconciliation.

This includes the “obligation to respond appropriately to the appeals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission”.

In its final report on the residential schools in 2015, the latter demanded that a papal apology should be made within a year.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also pointed this out in his speech.

He also emphasized that it was about an "apology for the role played by the Roman Catholic Church as an institution".

The discussion about the injustice of the church as an institution, not just individual members, has dominated the debate about the papal trip for days.

Both Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon emphasized several times that the papal trip "would not have been possible without the courage and perseverance of the survivors".

Trudeau thanked the Pope for his plea for forgiveness Monday in Maskwacis;

this undoubtedly has “an enormous effect”.

However, it is only a first step;

more would have to follow.

Simon added: "You and the Catholic Church join with us on our journey to reconciliation and healing." All are ready to listen to the Pope;

some willing to forgive, others not.

In his speech, the pope also warned against new "ideological colonization" that would destroy the traditions, history and religious ties of peoples.

This goes hand in hand with "a mentality that, in the assumption that the 'dark sides of history' have been overcome, makes way for the 'cancel culture' that only evaluates the past according to certain current categories".

Such a "cultural fad" standardizes and makes everything equal, Francis warned.

In addition, she focuses on "needs and rights of the individual" and neglects duties towards the weak and fragile.

Indigenous peoples, the pope said, had much "to teach about caring for and protecting the family."

"May the evil endured by indigenous peoples serve as a warning to us today" that concern for families and their rights "not be neglected in the name of any productive needs and individual interests".

Upon his arrival in Quebec, Francis received a courtesy visit from Governor General Mary Simon.

She is a member of the Inuit.

The Pope then met Prime Minister Trudeau for a nearly half-hour conversation.

He also sat down again with leading representatives of indigenous peoples for personal talks.

A mass is scheduled for Thursday morning in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, 30 kilometers north-west of Quebec.

The place of pilgrimage on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River is considered the oldest in North America.

In the afternoon, the Pope will meet bishops, priests, religious and other church workers at Quebec Cathedral.