Pope feels sorrow, not sorry

Pope expresses 'sorrow' for abuse at residential schools

AFN's Fontaine says he hopes statement will 'close the book' on apologies issuePope Benedict XVI expressed "sorrow" to a delegation from Canada's Assembly of First Nations on Wednesday over the abuse and "deplorable" treatment that aboriginal students suffered at residential schools run by the Roman Catholic Church.

In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope "offered his sympathy and prayerful solidarity" to those whose anguish was caused by some church members. The comments came during a private audience with the delegation, which included Assembly of First Nations Leader Phil Fontaine, aboriginal elders and residential school survivors.And:Following the meeting, Fontaine, who is also a residential school survivor, called the Pope's words a "very significant statement."

While he said it did not amount to an official apology, Fontaine told CBC News he hoped the expression of regret would "close the book" on the issue of apologies for residential school survivors.

"The fact that the word 'apology' was not used does not diminish this moment in any way," he said. "This experience gives me great comfort."Comment:  This is what's known in the media as a non-apology apology. The Pope feels sorrow that someone somewhere did something bad. But don't blame him or his church for anything. It was a few bad apples--kind of like Abu Ghraib--not an institutional failure. Some priests stepped over the line, but the church's mission--to convert non-believers to Christianity--remains a sound one.

Yeah, right. If you believe that, you'll believe the Vatican is thinking of selling its art to help the poor, huddled masses around the world. You know, the people Jesus said we should help?

But if Fontaine is satisfied, I'm happy for him. Since he seems to be leading the quest for apologies, he should know if the "book" is closed. Now maybe he can concentrate on something else--like getting tangible aid for his people instead of more "sorrowful" words.

Anyway, let's hope this non-apology apology provides the closure and healing the residential school survivors need. I trust their quality of life will increase and their pain and anguish will decrease. After all, the Pope's is God's man on Earth, so his words should be able to heal someone.

For more on the subject, see Canadian Apology = Divide and Conquer and Our Turn to Apologize?

Below:  "Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, left, walks in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City ahead of a private audience with the Pope on Wednesday.Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, left, walks in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City ahead of a private audience with the Pope on Wednesday." (Stephanie Jenzer/CBC)