” “Another requirement recommended by the Pope to the confessors is to "be aware of the social, cultural and professional backgrounds of those who approach the confessional, so as to be able to offer appropriate advice and spiritual and practical guidance". "We cannot preach forgiveness and reconciliation to the others if we are not personally imbued with them", warned the Pontiff, who exhorted the priests to combine their "theological background" with a "deep vein of spirituality". "While it is true that in our ministry there are different ways and instruments to convey God’s merciful love to our brothers highlighted Benedict XVI , it is in the celebration of this Sacrament, though, that we can do it in its fullest, most eminent form. Christ chose us, dear priests, to be the only ones who can forgive the sins in His name: this is therefore a specific ecclesial service which we must give priority to". "How many people in distress look for the comfort and consolation of Christ! How many penitents find in confession the peace and joy they had been pursuing for a long time!", concluded the Pontiff, who mentioned "the example of the saints" who "devotes themselves almost exclusively to the ministry of the confessional", including San Pio da Pietrelcina.” “
