VATICAN - “Christ has chosen us, dear priests, to be the only ones with the power to pardon sins in His name. This then, is a specific ecclesial service to which we must give priority.” Pope Benedict XVI addresses confessors of the four Roman Basilicas

Vatican City (Fides Service) - In the late morning of February 19 Pope Benedict XVI received Cardinal James F. Stafford, major penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, prelates and officials of that tribunal, and father confessors of Roman basilicas. In his address the Holy Father reflected on the Sacrament of Penance and its “importance in the life of the Christian, since it renders present the redeeming power of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. When he gives absolution, pronounced in the name and on behalf the Church, the confessor becomes the conscious mediator of a marvellous event of grace- the Pope said -. The confessor, "following the Church's Magisterium with gentle insistence, becomes a minister of the consoling mercy of God, he emphasizes the reality of sin, and at the same time reveals the limitless renovating power of divine love, the love that restores life. Confession becomes a spiritual rebirth which transform the penitent in a new creature. Only God can work this miracle of grace and He does it through the words and actions of the priest.”
The Holy Father recalled that in the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance “rather than a passive spectator, the confessor is an active instrument of divine mercy” therefore, he must unite a highly-developed spiritual and pastoral sensitivity with serious theological, moral and educational training making him capable of understanding people's life experiences. “Furthermore, it is good for him to know the social, cultural and professional background of those who come to the confessional, in order to be able to give appropriate advice and spiritual and practical guidance". Priests must not forget that in the Sacrament of Penance they are "fathers, spiritual judges, teachers and educators," said the Pope, adding that "this calls for constant 'up-dating'. Besides theologically prepared, a confessor must be a man of profound spirituality, nourished by prayerful contact with Christ, Master and Redeemer … his model is Jesus, the One sent by the Father; the source from which to draw abundantly the vivifying power of the Holy Spirit”.
“We cannot preach forgiveness and reconciliation to others if we do not experience these things personally - said Pope Benedict XVI -. Although it is true that in our ministry there are various ways and instruments with which to communicate the merciful love of God to our brothers and sisters, it is nonetheless in the celebration of this Sacrament that we can do so in the most complete and exalted manner. Christ has chosen us, dear priests, to be the only ones with the power to pardon sins in His name. This then, is a specific ecclesial service to which we must give priority.". Many people in difficulty "seek the comfort and consolation of Christ," Pope Benedict concluded. "How many penitents find in confession the peace and joy they were seeking for so long!”
Underlining that also in our day, marked by many religious and social challenges, “this Sacrament must be rediscovered and presented anew?”. The Pope concluded calling to mind exemplary confessors such as Saint John Maria Vianney, Saint Leopoldo Mandic, and Saint Pio da Pietrelcina and he said “from heaven may they help you to dispense abundantly the mercy and forgiveness of Christ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2007 - righe 34, parole 480)