This week in Christian history: John Emory dies, John Paul II apologizes for Jan Hus, William Temple becomes deacon
Pope John Paul II apologizes for martyrdom of Jan Hus – Dec. 17, 1999
This week marks the anniversary of when Pope John Paul II apologized on behalf of the Catholic Church for the death of Jan Hus, who had been executed per the demand of the Catholic Church for preaching theological views later championed by the Protestant Reformation.
Speaking before an international symposium centered on Hus, the pontiff expressed remorse over the “cruel death inflicted” on the church reformer, who was burned at the stake in 1415.
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“The wounds of past centuries must be healed through a new attitude and completely renewed relationships,” said John Paul II. “May our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘who is our peace ... and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility’ [Ephesians 2:14], guide the path of your people’s history towards the rediscovered unity of all Christians.”
“The truth can also prove uncomfortable when it asks us to abandon long-held prejudices and stereotypes. This is as true of churches, ecclesial communities and religions as it is of nations and individuals. Yet the truth which sets us free from error is also the truth which sets us free for love.”
