Panama City, Panama, Jan 25, 2019 / 11:28 am
Pope Francis heard confessions at a youth prison in Panama Friday, telling the young inmates that "you have a bigger purpose," and that there is joy in heaven for one repentant sinner.
In this penitential act, God "does not look at labels and prison terms, but at his sons and daughters," Pope Francis told the prisoners before offering the sacrament of reconciliation Jan. 25.
"The joy and hope of every Christian – of all of us, and the pope too – comes from having experienced this approach of God, who looks at us and says, 'You are part of my family and I cannot leave you out in the cold; I cannot lose you along the way; I am here at your side,'" he said, according to his prepared remarks.
Pope Francis heard confessions of inmates at a youth detention center in Panama this morning.
- Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) January 25, 2019
Credit: Vatican Media/CNA #WYD2019 #Panama2019 #FranciscoEnPanama pic.twitter.com/P6OxUwD579