One confesses one's sins, promises to do better and walks away. This apology means diddly-squat, when one considers the time elapsed. Of course, the weight of the "sin" will be lifted off the shoulders of the non-guilty (of this crime) penitents. The laity will eat it up. It's a meaningless "feel good"moment", nothing more.
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.