Nothing against Pope Francis, but I think the rise in people availing themselves more of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is more due to the young priests that came up under the influence of Popes JPII and Benedict. Our new pastor and his associate are in their early 30's. He built a brand-new, beautiful Old World-style confessional and preached the value of Confession from the pulpit. One of them is in the confessional for 12 hours a day on the weekends (including during Mass) and several times during the week. And there is ALWAYS a line.
Confession is Beautiful - At St. Annes Parish
http://www.catholicsun.org/2012/10/16/confession-is-beautiful-at-st-anne-parish/