Above and beyond giving a mea culpa, John Paul II will attempt to frame what the church means by a mea culpa. His belief that the church strengthens itself through a frank acknowledgment of past sins is a remarkable thing. But the Vatican is also being careful to make clear that this isn't simply a spectacular act of self-flagellation before hostile outsiders it's about the church's need to express regret and ask for God's pardon rather than to satisfy outsiders.
Quotes about self-flagellation (2 Quotes)
When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended for self-flagellation solely.