Christian forgiveness does not require the offender to take the initiative

Father Manuel Valeriano Antonio, a priest of the Diocese of Xochimilco and professor of moral theology, says Christian forgiveness is a duty rooted in recognizing the mercy received from God. He notes that applying this teaching to personal history can be difficult when deep harm occurred without recognition or reparation from the other person.

The process of forgiving someone who died without offering an apology can be complicated by the sense of unfinished business. Father Antonio suggests that the process may begin by acknowledging what remains unresolved rather than forcing a resolution.