Three papal documents of the 15th century gave rise to the Doctrine of Discovery, a concept that still provides a foundation for some property laws today.
Responding to Indigenous demands, the Vatican has formally repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery” — papal documents from the 15th century that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands. The repudiation will have great symbolic importance. Its immediate practical impact may be limited, though some some Indigenous activists hope it will heighten pressure on government authorities […]
Responding to Indigenous demands, the Vatican has formally repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery” papal documents from the 15th century that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands.
The Vatican on Thursday responded to Indigenous demands and formally repudiated the "Doctrine of Discovery," the theories backed by 15th-century "papal bulls" that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands and form the basis of some property laws today.