Pope’s Apology

Re “Teaching About the Holocaust” and “Pope Apologizes for Catholic Sins, Past and Present,” March 13: What synergy to see photos of Catholics at both the highest and lowest levels working to increase understanding and dialogue on the front page. As a Catholic, I appreciate the pope’s strong stance on reconciliation and justice. As a Catholic whose entire family has suffered injustice at the hands of low-level administrators of the church, I am moved by his courage and humility. It takes courage and humility to be just. Many Christians forget that Christ reserved his harshest criticisms for those who were rigid, judgmental and self-righteous.

I thank John Paul II and all those working within the church for reconciliation.

MARION

MERCADANTE DAWIRS

Anaheim

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The “confession” by Pope John Paul II lacked one essential component. All of us (Catholics) were taught in catechism that for a confession to be valid one must have “a firm purpose of amendment.” Neither the pope nor any of the cardinals indicated that things would change.

As a woman, a divorced Catholic who has been “marginalized and humiliated,” I say, “Sorry, it’s too little too late.”

ADELAIDE TATTO

Pacoima

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What’s this excitement all about? The pope has only publicly acknowledged that in a mixed religious and nonreligious society, one should be free to choose who or what brought us into existence, which the sons and daughters of the church have prevented from time to time and for which he admits he is sorry and repents for them. That’s the only message given; talk about facilitating interfaith dialogue or merger of faiths is pure nonsense unless the principle of contradiction is first abolished.

CHARLES F. DAY

Laguna Niguel