I am not sure thinking something like the Inquistion to be explicable makes any of it any more excusable. For it rather depends on what that explanation is.

When that explanation blames the context of the times but without the influential organised religions of those times taking any responsibilty for largely shaping those times - it sounds to me rather like yet another excuse.

It is seemingly OK for organised religions to blame individuals but not for individuals posting here to ever expect organised religions to accept blame for all the bad things done because of and in the name of organised religions.

The Vatican is saying - yes the torture and burning to suppress heresy which was led by the organised religion was a mistake - but it was not the organised religion's mistake - it was just the times when people passionately believed in heaven and hell. Without accepting the reason that this was the case - was that the organised religions TAUGHT us that it was the case. And set out to 'dazzle us with heaven or damn us into hell' (Leon Rossolson).

The victims of extortion and threats do usually have some sympathy from us. Those who extort and threaten, do not and are usually judged and blamed by us with little hesitation or excuse.