Pope hears confessions from teens in surprise visit

Pope Francis surprised many in St. Peter’s Square — perhaps most of all the teenagers who had come to the Vatican confess to priests about their sins.

The pontiff made the unannounced visit to join some 150 priests who patiently heard confessions from young people in the square.

The Vatican says Francis spent more than an hour to personally hear confessions from 16 young girls and boys.

He blessed the youngsters and at times spoke to them with animation.

The pope’s special Jubilee Year is centered around the theme of mercy and Saturday’s special confession was part of Jubilee Year events designed just for teens.