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 on Sunday wrapped up a weekend trip to Belgium, where he faced some of the strongest criticism yet levied during one of his foreign trips.

We are only allowed to look down on a person to help them get up,’ Pope Francis told young people at the penitential ceremony.