CCC 1441

Only God forgives sins.³⁹ Cf. Mk 2:7[ETML:C/]. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, "The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven."⁴⁰ Mk 2:5, 10; Lk 7:48. Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name.⁴¹ Cf. Jn 20:21-23.