Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Catholic Church must acknowledge its mistakes and seek forgiveness to maintain credibility in its mission of proclaiming Christ, Pope Francis stated. During a penitential liturgy on October 1, the pope had seven cardinals read requests for forgiveness that he said he wrote himself to name the church's main sins.

These sins included abuse, lack of courage and commitment to peace, disrespect for human life, mistreatment of women or failure to recognize their contributions, using church teachings as weapons against others, neglecting the poor, and failing to recognize the dignity and role of every baptized person in the church.

The event took place at St. Peter’s Basilica and concluded a two-day retreat for the 368 members of the Synod of Bishops on synodality. The synod was set to open with Mass in St. Peter’s Square on October 2 and run through October 27.

Pope Francis emphasized that the church is "always relational" and can only become a synodal church by healing damaged relationships among its members. He noted that sin damages essential relationships between individuals and God and among believers.

The liturgy featured testimonies from three witnesses to crime and sin: Laurence Gien, who was raped by a priest at age 11 in South Africa; Sara Vatteroni, who assists migrants rescued from the Mediterranean Sea; and Sister Deema Fayyad from Syria's Al-Khalil Monastic Community, who spoke about war's impact.

Gien addressed the pope and synod members: “The faces of the abused are too often blurred... This anonymity serves to protect the perpetrators rather than the victims.”

Retired Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley read a request for pardon for abuse: “How much shame and pain I feel when considering especially the sexual abuse of minors... abuses that have stolen innocence.” He continued: “Forgive us, Lord.”

Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell read a prayer asking forgiveness on behalf of men in the church for not recognizing women's dignity or exploiting them. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández expressed "shame" for times when pastors failed to guard and propose the Gospel properly.

In his homily, Pope Francis stressed that invoking God's name requires asking forgiveness from others. He questioned how they could be a synodal church without reconciliation or claim to walk together without giving and receiving forgiveness.

On the eve of the synod, he called for confession to restore trust in the church shattered by mistakes and sins. Pope Francis prayed for God's forgiveness: “We ask forgiveness... give us courage for sincere repentance.” Addressing young people present, he also asked forgiveness for not being credible witnesses of faith.