This document discusses various public apologies that have been issued by governments and the Catholic Church. It provides links to apologies from the US Congress for slavery and to Native Americans, as well as apologies from the Pope and Canadian government regarding colonialism and residential schools. It examines factors like motivation, law, accountability, truth, reparations, timing, preparation, and involvement of victims in the apology process. The document advocates that apologies should involve government, grassroots pressure, indigenous peoples, and acknowledge wrongdoings of the past.