Pope Francis heard several confessions during his visit to a parish on the outskirts of Rome last weekend, notes Sandro Magister of L'Espresso.
The Pope heard the confessions of parishioners before celebrating Mass. Having frequently encouraged the use of the sacrament, the Holy Father evidently intended to set an example both for priests and for penitents.
Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI regularly heard confessions at St. Peter's basilica during Holy Week, but did not did so when visiting parishes in the Rome diocese.
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