Pope Francis called on the faithful Wednesday to humbly ask forgiveness
every time they sin.
As part of his catechesis during this Wednesday's
General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis said, like Baptism,
which washes away original sin and personal sin, the Sacrament of
Confession can “open the door to a new life” as the merciful God “enters
our lives.”
The Pope invited Catholics to renew the grace of Baptism
by going to Confession often and with a contrite heart: “The Church
teaches us to confess our sins with humility, because only in
forgiveness, received and given, do our restless hearts find peace and
joy.”
Below, please find Pope Francis' remarks to English speaking pilgrims, read out in English by an assistant:
“Dear
Brothers and Sisters: Today I would like to continue our catechesis on
the Creed by turning to the Sacrament of Baptism. Each Sunday when
making our Profession of Faith, we pray: I confess one Baptism for the
forgiveness of sins. Let us look at each of these words. I confess –
This solemn declaration highlights the importance of Baptism and affirms
our identity as children of God. In the Sacrament, our faith is also
linked to the remission of sins. When we confess our sins, we renew and
strengthen our Baptismal identity. Baptism, then, is the point of
departure for a lifelong journey of conversion sustained by the
Sacrament of Penance. One Baptism – The word Baptism literally means
immersion.
Through the Sacrament, we are immersed spiritually in the
death of Jesus Christ and we rise with him as a new creation.
Regenerated by water and the Holy Spirit, we are illuminated by grace
which dispels the darkness of sin. For the forgiveness of sins –
Baptism forgives original sin and personal sin. The door to a new life
is opened and the mercy of God enters our lives. But human weakness
remains. The Church teaches us to confess our sins with humility,
because only in forgiveness, received and given, do our restless hearts
find peace and joy.”