On personal level, the Pope’s apology to the Arabs for their persecution during the Crusades and later campaigns is a praiseworthy, responsible, and courageous effort to atone for his forefathers’ sins. On a general level, opening the door of apology raises questions as to whom and on behalf of whom the Pope is apologizing. The suffering which befell the Arabs also befell many others at the hands of the Western powers, and the on-going support for Israel represents an extension of that past. Since the future is built upon the past and present, there is still reason to fear that which is taking place to the north, across the Mediterranean.