During the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis talked about the Pardon of Assisi, asking Catholics to go to Confession.
POPE FRANCIS
'Today we remember the Pardon of Assisi. It is a strong call to approach the Lord in the Sacrament of Mercy and also to receive Communion. Some people are afraid to approach the confessional, forgetting that they are not meeting a strict judge, but instead an immensely merciful Father.'
But what exactly is the Pardon of Assisi? It's the possibility to receive a plenary indulgence during the first two days of August. The tradition dates back to 1216. On August 1st, Christ, Our Lady, and angels appeared before St. Francis of Assisi in the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels. During the appearance, Saint Francis asked God to grant the indulgence to all pilgrims who visit the church dedicated to Our Lady. God granted it.
The next day, St. Francis asked Pope Honorius III for his approval. He agreed. For centuries, the indulgence could only be received in the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels. But it is now possible to receive it in all Franciscan churches, and all the parish churches in Assisi. Of course, the conditions must all be met: Communion, Confession and praying for the Pope's intentions.
