Since 1774, the Ministry of Confessions in St. Peter’s Basilica has been under the care of the Conventual Franciscans.
Recognizing the 250th anniversary, Pope Francis spoke recently to the Vatican College of Penitentiaries. He highlighted the importance of the Vatican confessors and focused his reflections on three main aspects of their ministry: humility, listening, and mercy.
Humility
Pope Francis invited the Conventual Franciscan confessors to view themselves as ‘penitents’ first, always seeking God’s mercy.
Listening
Pope Francis spoke about the importance of active and empathetic listening, emphasizing that a confessor is not a psychiatrist. “Just listen, console and forgive.” He reminded them that when the confessor truly listens to the penitent, he listens “to Jesus himself, poor and humble,” and then facilitates a personal encounter between the penitent and Christ.
Mercy
The Pope urged the confessors to be merciful and compassionate, and to recognize that those seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation are already humbled by their sins.
