Vatican City, Jun 2, 2016 / 03:53 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis spoke candidly to thousands of priests this week during a special retreat for the Year of Mercy. The upshot of what he told them? We as priests are sinners, and we need God's mercy as much as everyone else.

The Pope encouraged them to look to the Prodigal Son as a way to overcome the scandal of sin and celebrate God’s mercy and forgiveness in their lives and their ministry.