This book consists of 48 different discourses or writings on the Sacrament of Penance by Pope John Paul II from his election in 1978 until the end of 1984. There has been a considerable decrease in the use of the Sacrament in recent years: indeed, confession has been said to be in crisis. For this reason, Reconciliation and Penance was chosen as the theme for the 1983 Synod of Bishops. Pope John Paul has used every opportunity to state clearly the official teaching of the Church on Penance and to encourage deeper appreciations and more frequent use the Sacrament by all Catholics.