The problem with Catholics is that they do not understand what GRACE is.
Nor do they understand the concept of forgiveness.
Catholicism teaches that forgiveness is something you have to earn or merit. Or work for by doing something like penance.
It completely denies the very concept of forgiveness, which is a complete freedom from penalty or debt by the person wronged.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgive
1) to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : pardon eg...forgive one’s enemies
2a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital (see requital sense 1) for forgive an insult
b : to grant relief from payment of
Forgiveness is FREELY given by the offended.
It cannot be worked for or earned. A person cannot demand forgiveness. If it’s not freely given for no cost to the guilty party, then it’s not forgiveness.
We are declared righteous before God based on forgiveness, HIM choosing to forgive our sin debt and relate to us as if the sin never happened. When He forgives us, we owe God NOTHING for the sin we committed because God has chosen to release us from the penalty due for it.