Pope lauds apology to Aborigines

by Sanjay Jha | July 16, 2008 at 11:44 pm

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The Australian government's decision of accepting blunders committed on indigenous people in the past have been welcomed by the Pontiff. Pope lauded the reconciliation offers made by the Australian government and hoped that this will give new hope to people all over the world who long to see their rights affirmed. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had issued a historic apology for the abuse and discrimination the indigenous people have undergone.

Pope Benedict XVI has praised the Australian government for apologising to the country's indigenous people for past injustices.

Speaking at his first public appearance in Sydney, he said it was a courageous move that had offered hope to other disadvantaged people around the world.

PM Kevin Rudd formally apologised to Australian Aborigines early this year.

The Pope is in Sydney for the Catholic Church's World Youth Day, expected to attract some 200,000 young Catholics.

He made his remarks at a short welcome ceremony led by Mr Rudd.

The prime minister said the pontiff was "truly among friends" in Australia and that the country was honoured to have him there.

'Concrete steps'

The Pope, who arrived in Australia on Sunday, began his first full day of events on Thursday to celebrate the World Youth Day festival.

He will receive a traditional Aboriginal welcome ceremony, to be followed by a tour of Sydney Harbour by boat and an address to crowds gathered on the waterfront.