Pope says confession is not ‘torture’ but a form of renewal

(ANSA) – Vatican City, November 13 – The sacrament of confession should not be viewed as “torture” but instead is a kind of renewed baptism, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

During his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Francis said that confession allows the faithful to admit to their sins and weaknesses and at the same time, renew their faith.

Going into a confessional should not be seen as entering “a torture chamber,” said Francis.

Instead, it is a chance to renew baptismal vows which are closely tied to confessions, he said. “When we go to confess our weaknesses, our sins, we ask Jesus to forgive us, but we also go to renew our baptism with this forgiveness, and that’s beautiful,” said the pope. “So confession is not a torture session, it is a celebration of the day of our baptism”.