Dutch pilgrims attended Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on November 15
as part of a national pilgrimage for the jubilee year of mercy.At the conclusion of Mass, Pope Francis arrived at the basilica and spoke to the pilgrims about the importance of the Sacrament of Penance.
Confession, he said, is the place where one “receives the gift of pardon and the mercy of God, who has initiated the transformation of each of us and the reform of the life of the Church.”
He added that having received God’s mercy, “you will become instruments of mercy” and “missionary disciples” who can quench the thirst of those who long for God’s love.