If it is not clear what an apology is being made for, then what exactly is the purpose of the apology?
The International Business Times reports:
Pope Francis has issued an unexpected public apology for scandals “either in Rome or in the Vatican.” The Catholic leader did not refer to any particular events, but reports suggest that it was an apparent reference to a Polish priest who was relieved of his Vatican duties after announcing that he was in a same-sex relationship.
“I would like to ask for forgiveness in the name of the church for the scandals that have happened in this last period both in Rome and at the Vatican,” he said as his weekly general audience got underway in St Peter’s Square on 14 October. “I ask you for forgiveness,” Pope Francis said in front of thousands of gatherers, who applauded him for his remarks.
When asked about the comments by reporters, the Vatican spokesman admitted that Pope Francis’ apology was “broad and generic” and that “it was not up to me” to interpret the Catholic leader’s words. Father Federico Lombardi added that the pope wanted to extend a hand to followers who are “disturbed or pained” when they learn of the scandals caused by “the church or men of the church.”
Without more elaboration, one can only guess as to what the scandals are to which the Pope is apologizing. Homosexual activists could argue that the real scandal is the church’s refusal to overturn church teaching on sexuality. Certainly that is not the Pope’s intended meaning.
Many Roman Catholics worldwide would hear the word “scandal” and immediately connect it to the sexual abuse of children at the hands of priests. Just last week, a priest in northern Italy was dismissed after making scandalous comments arguing that sometimes priestly pedophilia came as a result of children in need of affection.
“Unfortunately there are children who seek affection because they don’t get it at home…And perhaps if they find some priest, he can succumb.” (NYT)
Apologizing is a necessary part of repentance and takes humility—a core characteristic of Pope Francis. But an apology with meat on its bones also takes specificity and clarity.
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