But now I am confused.
Earlier, another poster directed me to John 20: 21-23, and said this about that portion of Scripture: "In John 20:21, before He grants them the authority to forgive sins, Jesus says to the apostles, "as the Father sent me, so I send you." As Christ was sent by the Father to forgive sins, so Christ sends the apostles and their successors forgive sins."
You understand my confusion, I trust.
Did Christ grant the apostles and their successors the authority to forgive sins, or didn't He?
Yes, but to do so by the power of the Holy Spirit, as the prayer says, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Joh 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
Yes, He did grant them the authority to forgive sins. Salvation just posted the words of the priest.
If understanding is what you think you need then read the Catechism, Petronski posted a link.
If faith is needed talk to God.
The forgiveness, you might say, is spoken by the priest, but God forgives the sins through the absolution the PRIEST administers.
Thus, in answer to your question, the priest, successor of the apostles does forgive sins by invoking the name of God.