"That man knew he was a sinner," the pope said. "He was liked by no one and even despised." But it was "precisely that awareness of being a sinner that opened the door to Jesus' mercy. He left everything and followed."

"The first condition for being saved is knowing you are in danger," he said. "The first condition for being healed is feeling sick."

Well worth bearing in mind.

Knowing he was a sinner, he left everything (i.e. his sinful life) and followed Jesus. He didn't say: "I know I'm sinning but this is the best I can do. I'm following my conscience and at peace. God has called me to lead this sinful life for now."