Vatican City, Mar 29, 2019 / 02:09 pm (CNA).- Pope Francis called for the Sacrament of Confession to be elevated in the pastoral life of the Church during a Lenten penitential liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica Friday.

“Confession is the passage from misery to mercy,” Pope Francis said in his homily for the Lenten reconciliation service March 29.

“Let us restore to this sacrament the place it deserves in life and pastoral ministry!” he said.