Apologies Issued During John Paul Papacy
Monday, 18-09-2006BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Some instances in which Pope John Paul II admitted errors or apologized for actions of the Roman Catholic Church:
– 1992: Declares the church was wrong to condemn astronomer Galileo for maintaining the earth is not the center of the universe.
– 1992: Visiting Senegal, begs for forgiveness for Christians who were involved in the slave trade.
– 1995: Issues document saying church is “truly sorry” for discrimination or mistreatment of women.
– 1995: During trip to Czech Republic, asks forgiveness for violence by Catholics against Protestants during 16th century Counterreformation.
– 1998: In document on Holocaust, expresses remorse for cowardice of some Christians during Nazi persecution of Jews.
– 1999: Denounces persecution of Jan Hus, 15th century religious reformer and precursor of Protestantism who was burned at stake.
– 2000: Asks forgiveness for sins of Catholics through the ages, including wrongs inflicted on Jews, women and minorities.
– 2000: In stop at Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, says Catholic Church “deeply saddened by the hatred, acts of persecution and displays of anti-Semitism directed against the Jews by Christians at any time and in any place.”
– 2001: On visit to Greece, issues sweeping apology for wrongs committed by Roman Catholics against Orthodox Christians.
– 2001: Apologizes for missionary abuses against indigenous peoples of South Pacific.
Last modified: September 17. 2006 5:36PM