Pope Francis has taken to task priests who are so harsh on sinners that faithful feel pushed away by the Church.

Francis said during his homily in St Peter’s Basilica today that he feels pained when people do not go to confession because they are figuratively “caned, scolded” by their confessors.

He said these faithful feel as if “the church doors were closed in their face”.

“Please don’t do this,” the Pope told 13 new priests as he ordained them in the basilica.

He urged them to follow the example of Jesus in never tiring of being merciful.

Pope Francis said priests should remember that Jesus “didn’t come to condemn, but to forgive”.