Pope Francis penned requests for forgiveness, which were read by the most influential clerics at the Vatican, listing the church’s sins against peace, against the poor, the environment, women, abuse survivors and young people. They also asked forgiveness for using doctrine as a tool of exclusion and not welcoming dialogue.

During the penitential celebration on the eve of the Synod on Synodality, confessions and testimonies were shared by bishops, religious, and laypeople.

Pope Francis addressed the Belgian victims of clerical sexual abuse again on Saturday, offering words of contrition in a speech at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. "Abuse generates atrocious suffering and wounds,