Pope Francis met with around 700 participants of the 'Course on Sacramental Internal Jurisdiction,' organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary.
The participants are priests and seminarians. They are studying how to care for people and help them examine their consciences to understand whether or not they have committed a sin.
CARD. MAURO PIACENZA
Major Penitentiary
“We are now preparing to listen to your word, Your Holiness, to understand what providence is asking of us to serve in a more adequate and generous way the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus, the merciful face of the Father, has entrusted to us. ”
The pope lamented that the meaning of sin and the sacrament of confession are going through a crisis, but recalled that priests can change this dynamic.
POPE FRANCIS
“This large number of newly ordained and ordained priests testifies to the permanent interest in working together to face and overcome this crisis. Especially with the 'weapons of faith,' offering a service that is more qualified and capable of manifesting the real beauty of Divine Mercy.”
Pope Francis reminded them of their obligations when they are hearing confessions and to be generous.
POPE FRANCIS
“The sacramental conversation will remain in the secret of the confessional, between one's own conscience which is open to grace and God, with the necessary mediation of the priest. The sacramental seal is indispensable and no human power has jurisdiction, neither can it claim jurisdiction over it.”
The Apostolic Penitentiary is the oldest court in the Holy See. It deals with matters of conscience, both internal and external.
