Oct. 09 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI cited the "loss of a sense of sin" in modern society, and spoke about the value of sacramental Confession, in an October 9 meeting with visiting bishops from western Canada.

Speaking to 20 Canadian bishops who were making their ad limina visits, the Holy Father said that the recovery of a sense of sin must be a "pastoral priority." Bishops, he said, must work to stir recognition of the destructive effects of sin, and call believers to make use of the sacrament of Penance.

The Pope's blunt speech was his second strong statement to visiting Canadian bishops. A month earlier, speaking to another group of Canadian bishops making their ad limina visit to Rome, Pope Benedict had delivered a stern message about the effects of moral relativism in that country.

Confession, the Pope said, "is often considered with indifference," particularly in societies where it is needed most. He spoke about 'those who sadly distance themselves from the Church," and remain "trapped within envy and pride, detached from God."

The absence of an awareness of sin reflects "a weakening of our relationship with God," the Pope observed. And when God is not present in society, he added, proper standards of ethical life deteriorate and "the categories of good or evil vanish, along with individual responsibility."

Pope Benedict went on to say that when individuals no longer recognize their own objective moral faults, "a disturbing culture of blame and litigiousness arises." The antidote, he repeated, is for Church leaders to encourage recognition of sin and its effects, and call the people to repentance and Confession.