Apology Accepted

While visiting Greece in 2001, Pope John Paul II issued ao formal apology for crusaders who sacked Constantinople 800 years ago. In a speech on the 800th anniversary of the attack, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christians, formally accepted that apology.

WTEV explains:

"The spirit of reconciliation is stronger than hatred," Bartholomew said during a liturgy, attended by Philippe Barbarin, the Archbishop of Lyon, France. "We receive with gratitude and respect your cordial gesture for the tragic events of the Fourth Crusade." Bartholomew said his acceptance came in the spirit of Easter. "The spirit of reconciliation of the resurrection ... incites us toward reconciliation of our churches," the patriarch said. Bartholomew and John Paul have both emphasized reconciliation between the two churches, split since 1054.

It's interesting that it took three years for the apology to be accepted - unless they were specifically waiting for the 800th anniversary? That would be a curious reason. One would think that accepting an apology and forgiveness should stand on their own, not performed on an anniversary like a dog-and-pony show.

Read More:

• Roman Catholicism
• Popes