Pope Francis pointed out five “evangelical attitudes” that confessors must have: the ability to welcome without prejudice, listen with the ear of the heart, dispense God’s forgiveness generously, accompany the penitential journey without forcing it, and love silence.
The Pope said that “important and valuable moment of formation to contribute to the preparation of good confessors, fully aware of the importance of the ministry at the service of penitents.”
In this sense, he stressed that there is an inseparable link ” between the missionary vocation of the Church and the offer of mercy to all men .”
“Living on mercy and offering it to all, the Church fulfills itself and fulfills its apostolic and missionary action,” he said.
Likewise, he stressed that it is not possible, especially during Lent, “to stop paying attention to the exercise of pastoral charity, which is expressed in a concrete and eminent way precisely in the full availability of priests, without any reservation, for exercise the ministry of reconciliation”.
For the Holy Father, ” the availability of the confessor is manifested in some evangelical attitudes .”
Among them he highlighted the ability to welcome everyone without prejudice, “because only God knows what grace can work in hearts, at any time.”
Then, he pointed out that it is essential ” to listen to the brothers with the ear of the heart , wounded like the heart of Christ.”
Another “evangelical” attitude of the confessor must be ” absolving penitents, generously dispensing God’s forgiveness”, as well as “accompanying the penitential path, without forcing it , following the rhythm of the faithful, with patience and constant prayer”, indicated the Dad.
In addition, the Pontiff explained that ” the priest in the confessional loves silence , he is magnanimous of heart, knowing that each penitent challenges him in his personal condition: to be a sinner and a minister of mercy.”
According to the Holy Father, “this awareness will ensure that confessionals are not abandoned and that priests are not lacking in availability.”