‘Just listen, console and forgive’

Nov 01, 2024

VATICAN: “Always forgive everything, because we are here to forgive; let others argue!”

Pope Francis reiterated this refrain on October 24, as he addressed the community of the Vatican College of Penitentiaries on occasion of the 250th anniversary of the entrusting of the Ministry of Confessions in St Peter’s Basilica to the Conventual Franciscans. This ministry has been under their care since 1774.

Addressing the 60 Vatican confessors accompanied by their Rector, Fr Vincenzo Cosatti OFM.Conv., in the Consistory Hall, the Pope highlighted the vital importance of their service in the Basilica, both for those who go there to confess and also for other visitors.

He said the ministry “bears witness to them that the Church welcomes them first of all as a community of the forgiven, who believe, hope, and love in the light and strength of God’s tenderness.”

The Pope framed his reflections around three key aspects of their service: humility, listening, and mercy. Drawing from the example of the Apostle Peter, who learned humility through his own failures and need for forgiveness, Pope Francis urged the confessors to see themselves first as “penitents” who continually seek God’s mercy.

He encouraged them to reflect this humility in their prayers and actions within the sacred space of the Basilica.

Pope Francis also highlighted the importance of active and empathetic listening. He urged the confessors to be present, especially for the young and vulnerable, but cautioned that they are not psychiatrists. “The less you talk, the better,” he said. “Just listen, console, and forgive.” He emphasised that listening goes beyond hearing — it involves receiving the penitent’s words as a gift from God, which can aid both the confessor’s guidance and their own personal conversion. By listening with an open heart, the confessor facilitates a personal encounter between the penitent and Christ.

Mercy was the final focus of Pope Francis’ message. He encouraged the confessors to be compassionate and gentle, recognising that those who come for confession are already humbled by their sins. He urged them to be “men of mercy,” generous and understanding, following the example of Saint Leopold Mandic, known for his merciful approach, and Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, whom the Pope has often praised as a model confessor.

In closing, Pope Francis thanked the Vatican Penitentiaries for their service and encouraged them to continue their ministry with humility, deep listening, and boundless mercy, always reflecting God’s tenderness and compassion to those they serve. --Vatican Media