The quality of mercy is not strained

Abstract

The momentous event held in St Peter's Basilica, Rome, on 12 March 2000, in the context of the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation, is highlighted. On that occasion, Pope John Paul II -- on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church -- asked for forgiveness for the sins committed by Church representatives in the service of truth, sins against Christian unity, the People of Israel, the dignity of women, etc. The title of the piece is taken from the striking and unforgettable speech made by Portia in "The Merchant of Venice" by Shakespeare. Mercy and forgiveness go hand in hand. Pope John Paul II's prophetic gesture in March 2000 can be summed up in his own words: "Let us forgive and ask forgiveness".