During his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the pope spoke of God's call to His people to return to Him.
He said God's tenderness speaks in a special way during Lent, a time to reflect and remember to return to the Father, who has the power to cleanse sinners.
POPE FRANCIS
He's capable of transforming us, of changing our hearts, but we need to take the first step: returning. It's not even going to God. No! It's simply returning home.
Then he addressed the problem of not being able to see a priest for confession, which many Catholics do during Lent in preparation for Easter.
POPE FRANCIS
If you don't find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He's your Father. Tell Him the truth. ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart, with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘Afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God's grace immediately.
In this time of crisis, the pope said the Catechism clearly teaches that one can draw near to God's forgiveness, even without a priest at hand.
