"Vatican Radio" interviews the Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary:
there has been a notable rise in the number of people approaching the
sacrament with greater trust.
So many faithful are rediscovering the sacrament of confession
thanks to St. Francis, says the Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary,
Mgr. Krzysztof Nykiel in an interview with Vatican Radio.
The interview
took place on the occasion of the fourth Symposium on penitential
practice and doctrine held in the Chancery.
“So many pilgrims have approached the sacrament of reconciliation in
the various Papal Basilicas. Our minor Penitentiaries were happy to tell
us that the many pilgrims that come to St. Peter’s Square to attend the
Wednesday General Audience or the Sunday Angelus, have been approaching
the sacrament of confession with a spirit of greater faith and
sincerity,” said Mgr. Nykiel.
“The Churches around the Vatican are full of faithful asking for
confession and to dedicate time to prayer,” he continued. In many of his
speeches and public addresses Francis has been inviting people not to
be afraid of asking God for forgiveness because He is happy when He
gives us His mercy. When he met minor penitentiaries of the Basilica of
St. Mary Major the day after His election to the pontificate, he said to
them: Mercy, mercy, mercy. You are confessors so be merciful with the
souls.”
According to the Regent of the Penitentiary, Pope Francis’ calls for
the Church to put itself across to the world as a mother and teacher of
mercy, as a home for everyone : the strong, the weak, sinners, the
indifferent, those who feel discouraged and lost, has numerous positive
consequences.
“We are hearing from all corners of the world about the
many people, our faithful, who are approaching the sacrament of
confession with increased trust and a sincere spirit,” he said.