As both Catholics and Christians cannot get to a physical church due to the coronavirus lockdown, Catholics have the issue that they therefore cannot get to confession.
However, Catholics have found an answer after Pope Francis has told them to take their confessions straight to God. The Pope recently asked God to stop the coronavirus.
“People who cannot get to confession because of the coronavirus lockdown or another serious reason can go to God directly, be specific about their sins, request pardon and experience God’s loving forgiveness,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope made his comments while speaking in his Homily at Casa Santa Marta. It is common for many Catholics prior to Easter to confess their sins.
“This is the right time, the opportune moment. An act of contrition done well, and our souls will become white like the snow,” the pope said March 20 during his livestreamed morning Mass.
“Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately.
“You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.”
The Pope was forced to deliver a Sunday address from the Internet due to coronavirus spread.
Pope Francis, who is based in Italy, has seen the damage of the coronavirus first hand as his country has been decimated. At the time of going to press, Italy’s health ministry has advised that a total of 63,927 confirmed cases in the country, with 6077 deaths.
The Italian Evangelical Alliance called for a day of prayer last Sunday to bring an end to the virus devastation.
Matthias Browning
Matthias Browning | Reporter
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