The text of Pope Francis’ Angelus message on the Third Sunday of Lent following his release from hospital.

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

The parable in today’s Gospel tells us about the patience of God, who urges us to make our life a time of conversion. Jesus uses the image of a barren fig tree, which has not borne the anticipated fruit and which, nevertheless, the farmer does not want to cut down: he wants to fertilize it again since “it may bear fruit in the future” (Lk 13:9). This patient farmer is the Lord, who works the soil of our lives with care and waits confidently for our return to Him.

In this long period of my hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick. This trusting patience, anchored in God’s unfailing love, is indeed necessary in our lives, especially when facing the most difficult and painful situations.

I am saddened by the resumption of heavy Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip, causing many deaths and injuries. I call for an immediate halt to the weapons; and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached. In the Strip, the humanitarian situation again…requires urgent commitment from the conflicting parties and the international community.

On the other hand, I am pleased that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the final text of the peace agreement. I hope that it may be signed soon, and thus contribute to lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

You are continuing to pray for me with great patience and perseverance: Thank you very much! I pray for you too. And together, let us pray for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. May the Virgin Mary keep you and continue to accompany us on our journey towards Easter.

Part of a Lenten guide for Reconciliation produced by the Diocese of Calgary’s The Light in ON for You.

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation? 

One of the seven outward signs of grace instituted by Christ and given to the Church; this Sacrament of Healing provides an opportunity for a person to receive God’s forgiveness, pardon for their sins, and reconciliation with God and His Church. 

Sometimes people say the Sacrament of Reconciliation, other times the Sacrament of Penance, and other times say they are going to Confession. Which name is correct? 

All are correct. Confession, penance, and reconciliation are all aspects of the sacrament. Confession is when we tell our sins to the priest. Penance is the action that the priest gives us to do or say to express our gratitude for God’s forgiveness. Finally, we experience reconciliation when the priest absolves our sins, which repairs our relationship with God and the Church. 

Why should I go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and confess my sins to a priest? Can’t I ask God for forgiveness on my own? 

Asking for forgiveness is an important first step in repairing our relationship with God and others. However, sin damages not only your relationship with God but also your relationship with others and the Church. The priest hearing your confession acts as Christ present to you, offering God’s mercy and forgiveness. The priest carries on the healing ministry Jesus entrusted to his apostles when he shared his power to forgive sins (John 20:23). 

Will the priest tell anyone about the sins I have confessed? 

No, the priest cannot and will not tell anyone about anything you said during your confession. The Church requires that the priest keep secret anything you confess to him. 

What if I am embarrassed to tell the priest my sins? 

Feeling guilt or embarrassment about your sins is normal. It is also a sign your conscience is (saying) you have done something wrong. The priest is there to listen to you with the heart of Jesus. Jesus came to love and forgive and never seeks to embarrass us. 

Will the priest be embarrassed by what I tell him? 

Priests have heard many sins confessed to them….Remember priests are human and strive to avoid sin like everyone else - they regularly go to confession themselves.