Italian priests are currently undergoing a course in confession, where they are taught the proper way of communicating with sinners and bringing them back to confession. The program was launched to respond to reports of a decline in the number of people going to confession.

After identifying one of the reasons as the inappropriate reactions of priests upon hearing of the people's confessions, the "grave crisis" was taken into account and the Vatican is currently attempting to remedy the damage through the lessons.

"This is a serious problem because confession is fundamental to the health and cleanliness of the soul" wrote Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti, bishop in charge of the Apostolic Penitentiary, in his article in the L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's official newspaper.

"Christ has chosen us to be the only ones with the power to pardon sins in his name," continued Girotti, "so this is a special ecclesial service to which we must give priority."

The Telegraph reported that the course, which is scheduled to start Monday, was meant to help priests be "ministers of reconciliation," and teach them that "a hard line attitude cam be fatal for many worshippers."

He also noted the importance of not speaking to confessors in "an apocalyptic tone."

The course, the UPI reported, will include role-playing exercises that would address many concerns related with relationships, homosexuality, and alleged possessions.

"A shepherd inspired by the Gospel cannot and should not ever make someone despair," said Girotti.

Current statistics showed that the number of people going to confession has dropped, and that 30 percent of Italian Catholics do not recognize the claimed necessity of a priest during confession. Ten percent described a priest's presence as something that "impedes direct dialogue with the Lord."