May 16, 1996 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - Some reports have stated that the Pope has apologized for the Catholic Church's persecution of the saints. This is only a half truth. While the Pope has uttered some regrets of sorts, referring to certain "weaknesses" and "mistakes" and "harmful acts" of the past, he has not plainly admitted that the Roman Church has butchered millions of humble Christians, and he has not plainly apologized for Rome's bloody history. He has not acknowledged that the Roman papacy has been one of the bloodiest and most inhumane institutions in human history. He has not acknowledged that the papacy, through its blasphemous claims and sacramental gospel, has led multitudes to eternal Hell.

In this recent encyclical, for example, Pope John Paul II refers to certain "painful recollections" which some Protestants have in regard to the history of the papacy. He then says, "To the extent that we are responsible for these, I join my predecessor Paul VI in asking forgiveness." Is that a genuine apology over Rome's bloody history. No, it isn't. He cleverly leaves it up to his hearers to decide to what extent Rome is responsible for any "painful recollections." That is a sorry excuse of an apology for one who sits in the seat of the men who were responsible for the murder and torment of MILLIONS of humble, Bible-believing children of God.

The chief occasion at which the Pope offered an apology of sorts for the persecution of non-Catholics occurred in Olomouc, the Czech Republic, in May. This was at the canonization of Jan Sarkander, a 17-century Jesuit priest who was charged with conspiracy by Lutherans in the Thirty Years War. He was believed to have been behind the destruction of Protestant communities in Moravia. All of this demonstrates the cleverness of the Pope. He has pointed out that Sarkander should be seen as a "patron of ecumenical reconciliation" because while he was involved with persecuting Protestants, the Protestants were responsible for torturing him to death!

Using such an incidence as a backdrop for his "apology" to non-Catholics, the Pope draws the attention away from Rome's dominant role of being "drunk with the blood of the saints" (Revelation 17:6).

What would the Bible require of the Pope if he were truly to repent of Rome's error? Repentance means a change of mind which results in a change of action. In the Pope's case, this would involve a great many things. A repentant Pope would cast aside his blasphemous position and titles in fear and trembling. Instead of "holy father" he would desire to be called "lowly sinner." A repentant Pope would reject heretical Roman Catholic dogmas such as the Mass, the Priesthood, the Sacraments, and the intercession of Mary and the Saints. He would reject the damnable sacramental gospel of Rome (Galatians 1:6-9) and joyfully confess that salvation is the free gift of God to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16,17; 3:23-25; 10:9-13) and that eternal life is the present possession of every child of God (1 John 5:11-13).

Don't be deceived by the clever manipulations of false teachers. The Pope has not repented, and the Roman Catholic Church has not substantially changed.

"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter 2:3).

See also --

"The Pope's 'Apology' about St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre"

"Has the Roman Catholic Church Repented"