By JIM KUHNHENN, AP Writer 9 minutes ago WASHINGTON - John Hagee, an influential Texas televangelist who endorsed John McCain, apologized to Catholics Tuesday for his stinging criticism of the Roman Catholic Church and for having "emphasized the darkest chapters in the history of Catholic and Protestant relations with the Jews."
In a letter to William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, Hagee wrote: "Out of a desire to advance a greater unity among Catholics and evangelicals in promoting the common good, I want to express my deep regret for any comments that Catholics have found hurtful."
with the Jews," Hagee wrote. "In the process,

(CNN) – Texas pastor John Hagee — whose endorsement has proven problematic for John McCain's presidential campaign — will meet with Catholic League

Pastor John Hagee apologized today in a letter to the Catholic League for comments that angered Catholic leaders. --Michael D. Shear | More »
McCain Breaks with Bush on Climate Change
em has festered. Now, it appears McCain may have found a solution that satisfies one of his fiercest critics.

Pastor John Hagee, whose negative comments about Catholics has caused trouble for his pick for president, John McCain, has written a letter of apology to William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights:
“Out of a desire to advance a greater unity among Catholics and Evangelicals in promoting the common good, I want to express my deep regret for any comments that Catholics have found hurtful.” (Here’s a link to the complete letter.)
offended (but I’m not sorry about the bad thing I said/did, rather only that I suffered consequences)” type of modern psuedo-apology.

John Hagee expresses 'deep regret' for his comments. The Arizona senator, who had actively sought the pastor's support, recently termed his statements 'nonsense.'
By Maeve Reston, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
criticism for the comments of his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. -- McCain responded that Hagee had not been his pastor for 20 years.