Pope Francis caused a stir in a residential Roman neighborhood when he visited a parish on Friday afternoon. Some 1,500 people took to the streets to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
Many also prayed for his health at the doors of the church of St. Pio V.
Good health!
The Pope is still not fully recovered from his cold. For this reason, he has not read his speeches at recent events. But this time, he not only read, but even went off-script.
POPE FRANCIS
Put this in your mind and in your heart. God never tires of forgiving. Did you hear it? Can you repeat it with me? All of you together: God never tires of forgiving. To be sure, once again: God never tires of forgiving. What is the drama? We are the ones who get tired of asking for forgiveness.
The Pope also addressed priests. He told them not only to grant forgiveness, but also not to “put their finger in the wound” of the sinner.
POPE FRANCIS
And you, dear brother priests, do not ask too many questions. Let them say everything and forgive everything, but don't go there, no.
Pope Francis visited this Roman parish to launch the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative to promote confession and Eucharistic adoration during Lent.
Francis himself heard the confessions of several people who were at the parish.
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TR: AT
