Summary: This article asks why it has been so difficult to explain the purpose and meaning of  Pope John Paul II March 2000 Mea Culpa. In the author's opinion, three factors must be dealt with: I. The form in which the Mea Culpa took place (a liturgical service). 2. The material: in naming error then who are the guilty? Are they individuals? Or, is the Church itself, guilty? 3. The future. When all is said and done: then, what? How are matters rectified?