He never absolved sins. I think he just taught about Catholic teachings. He was definitely not an appealing spokesman though and neither is the new guy.
From the article:
“I guess it’s good that he says he can’t offer the sacrament... but then encourages the confession? Holy Ethical, Theological, and Privacy Nightmare,” the user wrote.
“And I now have two recordings of it “performing the sacrament” and offering absolution.”