While private penance was first found in the penitential books of the eighth century, the beginnings of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the form of individual confession as we know it now, i.e. bringing together confession of sins and reconciliation with the church, can be traced back to 11th century.

What is the origin of penance?

The word penance derives from Old French and Latin paenitentia, both of which derive from the same root meaning repentance, the desire to be forgiven (in English see contrition).

Who instituted penance?

In modern times the Roman Catholic Church teaches that confession, or reconciliation, is a sacrament, instituted by Christ, in which a confession of all serious sins committed after baptism is necessary.