In this era of reflexive counterpunching, where powerful people and institutions are often conditioned not to back down, public apologies are rare. When they do come, they are often begrudging statements designed to silence critics, not soul-searching, heartfelt acknowledgments of wrongdoing. That makes it refreshing to see Pope Francis — leader of a religion with well more than a billion adherents and an array of influential institutions — express deep regret about the church’s role in the horrific system of Canadian residential schools. Over many years, these often church-affiliated institut…