Vatican returns 60, centuries-old, indigenous artifacts after decades of dispute

The Vatican returned more than 60, centuries-old, artifacts to indigenous owners, after three years of tireless campaigning by indigenous leaders, which was endorsed by Pope Francis before his death.

The artifacts returned on Saturday were being held inside Vatican museums and vaults. This comes amid a global wave of museums around the world returning the precious items to their rightful owners that were stolen or potentially acquired via illegal means.

These artifacts were taken from First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities, who hailed the repatriation.

First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said, “It is an important moment for many First Nations across the country. We have come a long way, and we have a long way to go.”

These artifacts reached Rome for the Vatican Mission Exhibition in 1925; however, they never made it back as the Vatican claimed that they were gifted to Pope Pius XI, who led the church beginning in 1922.

Indigenous people contested the claim stating that the Vatican's collection was compiled during a period when they were being erased from Canada.

Pope Leo gifted the precious items back to the indigenous communities, stating, “It is the conclusion of the journey initiated by Pope Francis.”

Canada’s Museum of History will examine the artifacts before returning them to rightful owners.