Back in 2000, Pope John Paul II apologized for all past sins of the Catholic Church , much in the same way Australia has apologized to the Aborigines.. These rhetorical apologies seem so disingenuous at first. I hate when apologies are used for political gain. But, after studying this situation further, an apology can help Australia unite, if the apology has actions following it.

Is it possible to apologize for the actions of others? An apology won’t right a wrong, but it might bring about change from that day forward. Obviously, John Paul’s apology won’t change the past questionable activities of the Church, but acknowledging the sins of the past can help change the future. Actions always speak louder than words.