Salvation requires recognizing one's sinfulness, Pope tells congregation

September 18, 2014

Salvation is available “only to those who open their hearts and acknowledge that they are sinners,” Pope Francis told a congregation at Mass on September 18.

The Pope pointed out that Jesus was prompt to offer forgiveness to a woman “because she was able to weep for her sins,” whereas he strongly condemned the scribes and Pharisees. The latter, the Poep said, “were not bad people: they simply did not believe themselves to be sinners.”

In order to accept God’s mercy, the Pope reasoned, it is necessary first to recognize the need for that mercy, in one’s own failings. Thus one’s sins become the occasions for an encounter with Christ.

This insight is heresy, the Pope said—perhaps reacting to criticisms of a similar homily he had preached earlier this month. He cited St. Paul’s statement that he could boast of only two things: his sinfulness and Christ who saved him from his sin.

 

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Further information:

• Pope: those who acknowledge their sins "open their hearts in the confession of sins, to encounter with Jesus" (AsiaNews)
• “We encounter Jesus in our sins. This is not heresy” (Vatican Insider)