To err (for example, by burning your religious enemies at the stake, or standing by silently as millions of Jews go to the ovens) may be human. To forgive such things is clearly the business of the victims or, in their likely absence, of the divine. To forget such "errors"--after years, after centuries--is nature's usual way.
But to apologize for such deeds--after years, after centuries: What exactly is that? Possible answers: a) historic, b) as fatuous and unavailing as most New Year's resolutions, c) mysterious and sublime.
Pope John Paul II's generalized apology for the wrongs committed by Roman Catholics over...
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