Pope Francis: Every time we go to confession, God embraces us

(CNA) During his Wednesday audience on February 19, Pope Francis encouraged the pilgrims filling St. Peter's Square to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. The Pope said that: “Forgiveness is not a result of our efforts, but is a gift. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit who showers us with mercy and grace that pours forth unceasingly from the open heart of Christ crucified and risen.”

The Pontiff went on to recognize that many people feel ashamed at the idea of confessing their sins and might say, “but Father, I am embarrassed!”

“Even embarrassment is good. It's healthy to have a bit of shame... it does us good, because it makes us more humble.”

“Don't be afraid of confession,” Pope Francis stressed. “When someone is in line for confession he feels all these things - even shame - but then, when he finishes confessing, he leaves (feeling) free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy.”

“But I say to you,” he stressed to the many pilgrims, “every time we go to confession, God embraces us.”