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 The BBC's Liz Mackean reports"It is an unprecedented apology"  real 28k  The BBC's David Willey reports from the Vatican"On bended knee the Pope implored God's pardon for the faults of all believers"  real 28k |
The unprecedented gesture by the spiritual leader of the world's one billion Catholics is one of the first major events of the Vatican's year-long celebrations marking the beginning of the new Christian millennium.
We are asking pardon ... for the use of violence committed in the service of truth  |
Pope John Paul II
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The phrase "violence in the service of truth" is an often-used reference to the treatment of heretics during the Inquisition, the Crusades, and forced conversions of native peoples.
Sweeping forgiveness
The Pope's homily at The Day of Pardon Mass in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican did not mention specific groups.
Christians will acknowledge the
sins committed by a not a few of their number against the
people of the Covenant |
Cardinal Edward Cassidy
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Cardinal Edward Cassidy, raising the issue of the treatment of Jews, said: "Christians will acknowledge the sins committed by a not a few of their number against the people of the Covenant."
"We are deeply saddened by the behaviour of those who in
the course of history have caused these children of yours
to suffer, and asking your forgiveness we wish to commit
ourselves to genuine brotherhood," the Pope responded.
The Roma, or gypsy people, were also mentioned as having suffered.
Israel wanted more
 Jerusalem is preparing for the Pope's visit
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"I hope deeply that the Pope of today whom I appreciate very much for his doings and for his condemning anti-Semitism will complete the asking of forgiveness next week in Yad Vashem in Jerusalem," Rabbi Lau said.
The Pope is going on pilgrimage to Israel later this month - the first papal visit for more than 30 years.
But Rabbi David Rosen, head of the Jerusalem office of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, said expectations that the Pope would say more were perhaps "a little unrealistic".
Other confessions touched on treatment of racial and ethnic groups and "contempt for their cultures and religious traditions" and towards women "who are all too often humiliated" and marginalised.
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