Il Magistero dei papi riguardo alla persona del confessore e alla sua formazione, sulla base dei discorsi alla Penitenzieria Apostolica negli anni 2007–2016

The article discusses speeches given by Popes Benedict XVI and Francis which were addressed to the Apostolic Penitentiary in the years 2007-2016. In these addresses one can see indications of high importance for a contemporary confessor. Popes show the him as a person who takes care of the penitent and prays for him or her. His sacerdotal and spiritual life should be constantly strengthened by contact with Christ. The confessor is to be reachable and available for the people. His different duties, as indicated by Popes, also also include raising one’s a pqualifications, and obedience to the Magisterium of the Church. He reveals God’s mercy and should be merciful himself for this reason but not permissive towards sins of the penitent. Now more than in previous centuries the emphasis is put on personal qualities of the confessor such as communicative skills, restraint, empathy, which facilitate a confession for the penitent.