Francis: Exorcists must be chosen "very carefully and with a great deal of prudence" -
VIDEOS: Pope directs a ceremony of repentance, he confesses himself and hears confession
VIDEOS: Pope directs a ceremony of repentance, he confesses himself and hears confession
Vatican City (kath.net/KAP) Pope Francis has looked with generosity from the confessional chair and has suggests an exorcist on a case-by-case basis. The Catholic penitential practice must be "a credible mirror of the mercy of God," he said on Friday to those in attendance at a course on the Vatican Court of Grace, the so-called Penitentiary. It is necessary to avoid rigor and lack of understanding. A confessor who reflects his activity in prayer knows well "that he himself is the first sinner, and the first to be forgiven."
Francis continued to admonish confessors to ask for "the gift of humility." It should be clear that forgiveness is a free gift of God. Priests played only the role of "simple but necessary administrators" according to the will of Jesus, according to the Pope. "He will certainly be pleased if we make generous use of his mercy," he added.
The use of exorcists remains indispensable even today, said the Pope. Sometimes those with "spiritual disturbances" appear at Confession. Unless, as in most cases, they have psychological causes, pastors are not "reluctant to turn to those who are entrusted with this sensitive and necessary ministry in the diocese," the exorcists, said Francis to those attending a Course on Confession this Friday in the Vatican.
The Pope stressed that priests should consult psychologists and physicians for the assessment of supposed "spiritual disorders". It is also necessary to consider the "existential, ecclesiastical, natural and supernatural circumstances." The pope did not mention concrete examples. With a view to the exorcists, Francis said they had to be chosen "very carefully and with a great deal of prudence."
The Apostolic Penitentiary is one of the three highest courts of the Catholic Church. Among other things, it is responsible for the discharge and the lifting of penalties.
Pope Francis confesses in St. Peter's and then hears the confession himself Fasting 2017:
The use of exorcists remains indispensable even today, said the Pope. Sometimes those with "spiritual disturbances" appear at Confession. Unless, as in most cases, they have psychological causes, pastors are not "reluctant to turn to those who are entrusted with this sensitive and necessary ministry in the diocese," the exorcists, said Francis to those attending a Course on Confession this Friday in the Vatican.
The Pope stressed that priests should consult psychologists and physicians for the assessment of supposed "spiritual disorders". It is also necessary to consider the "existential, ecclesiastical, natural and supernatural circumstances." The pope did not mention concrete examples. With a view to the exorcists, Francis said they had to be chosen "very carefully and with a great deal of prudence."
The Apostolic Penitentiary is one of the three highest courts of the Catholic Church. Among other things, it is responsible for the discharge and the lifting of penalties.
Pope Francis confesses in St. Peter's and then hears the confession himself Fasting 2017:
