Excerpt from Pope Francis’ Sermon

March 17, 2023

God awaits us right there, deep down, when we humbly turn to Him to ask for forgiveness in the sacrament of confession, as we will do today.

I invite you to make an examination of conscience, because “the Pharisee and the tax custom-house officer” both live among us. Let us not hide behind the hypocrisy of appearances, but let us surrender with trust to divine mercy. Let us remember our mistakes, our miseries, and even those we refuse to accept...and, like the tax collector, let us become aware of the distance that exists between us and God because of our sins. At that moment, the Lord will draw close to us and raise us up again.

The sacrament of confession is a moment of celebration that heals the heart and gives inner peace. It is not a human court to be feared, but a divine embrace which brings solace.

I invite all confessors to forgive everything, to forgive always, like Jesus. The sacrament of confession is not a place of torment but is meant to grant peace. Forgive everything as God forgives you everything.

Pope Francis

March 17, 2023

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