The History and Justice

[Occhidiangela]

But it also drew a new line on the map. The Catholic Church's conduct in those times of Fascism and the Final Solution were borne upon its stance and perceptions that governed it up to that point. The Pope's apology lays down a new ground rule for the Church: what happened was wrong, and we see that now.

Any new circumstance in the future will have to contend with that decision now made. They cannot repeat those actions without having crossed the new line that the apology has drawn. They cannot assuage themselves of violating conscience by saying "We've never dealt with this problem before."
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Right. It resolved nothing of past issues. I have real doubts, given the selective cultural memories and appeals to emotion and "history" so frequently made, that the gesture will do anything for future matters, as you predict, but I tend to be cynical. The glass may indeed be half full, and the Papal precedent may be beneficial downstream.

Only time will tell, as it wounds all heals. ;)

Occhi