Pope John Paul II has admitted and asked god for forgiveness for
the sins of the Catholic church. It is unprecedented in church
history but the pontiff is hoping to reinvigorate Catholicism
for its third millenium. I think it is an amazing action by
this man. The list goes on and on and it spans thousands of 
years. The church burned heretics at the stake, slaughtered 
Muslims during the Crusades, and some Catholics sat silent
in the face of Nazi genocide.
This shows us that the Pope understands the fundamental nature
of what the church stands for and, with his leadership, the 
church is holding itself accountable. 
I am not a Catholic, or a religious person but I am impressed by
this. I think it serves as a powerful example for everyone to
be honest about one's past behavior and to take responsibility
for it. I won't confess anything here, but I could use a
sacraficial bonfire or two.