On the eve of the opening of the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis presided over a penitential vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and asking forgiveness for the sins of the Church.
“We are beggars for the Father’s mercy,” the Pontiff said at the start of the vigil on October 1. The ceremony featured moving testimonies from a survivor of sexual abuse, a volunteer working with migrants, and a Syrian nun who recounted the horrors of war. These testimonies underlined the need to recognize and heal the wounds caused by the sins of the Church.
Recognizing Sins
Recognizing SinsPope Francis stressed that the Church is not only of the righteous and saints, but also of those who recognize themselves as poor and sinners in search of forgiveness. In a symbolic gesture, seven cardinals read out requests for forgiveness for various sins: against peace, creation, indigenous peoples, migrants, abuse, women, family, youth, and the misuse of doctrine.
“It is necessary to call our sins by their name,” insisted the Pope, highlighting that we often hide them or soften them with polite words.
Healing and Synodality
The Pontiff reflected on the relational nature of the Church and the need to heal broken relationships in order to be a truly synodal Church. “How could we be credible in our mission if we do not recognize our mistakes and do not dedicate ourselves to healing the wounds we have caused?” he asked.
Humility and Confession
Humility and ConfessionThe Pope also reflected on the parable of the Pharisee and the publican from the Gospel of St. Luke, noting that confession of sin is the first step to healing. “Today we are all like the publican, with downcast eyes and ashamed of our sins,” said Francis, calling for clearing the space occupied by vanity, hypocrisy and pride.
Reconciliation and Hope
In his message, the Pope urged the entire Church to ask for forgiveness and to commit to reconciliation. “We cannot pretend to resolve conflicts by fuelling violence, nor seek happiness at the expense of the unhappiness of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
The Holy Father concluded the vigil with a prayer of repentance and an invocation to the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of the faithful with grace. Finally, he invited those present to greet each other with the sign of peace, symbolizing the desire to walk together in unity and reconciliation.
A New Beginning
On the liturgical feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Pope Francis encouraged people to ask for her intercession so that the Church may be ever more faithful to the logic of the Kingdom of God. By giving copies of the Gospel to young representatives, the Pope entrusted them with the mission of announcing the Good News to the new generations, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to a future of hope and reconciliation.
