Pope Francis recently said ‘If you don’t find a priest to go to Confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell him the truth. “Lord, I did this and this and this. Pardon me.” Ask his forgiveness with all your heart, with an act of contrition, and promise him, “Afterward I will go to Confession.” You will return to God’s grace immediately.’ At this time of crisis, the Pope said the Catechism clearly teaches that one can draw near to God’s forgiveness, even without a priest at hand.