The Pope is right on this one, but it is that shame that is stopping so many people from going to penance.
Its a bit of a catch 22 for the Church.
I think it is more fear than shame. I certainly see that in the teens I work with if they rarely go to confession. The teens that regularly go seem to look forward to it. In both cases though, they all have a real joy when they exit the confessional.
Without shame most are utterly unaware that they need Penance. Truly a vicious circle.
It takes a lot of humility AND courage to admit one’s faults in front of someone else.
But what a blessing it is!
And the graces received — sometimes I am speechless or in tears.