HACKENSACK, N.J. — One of loneliest places in church these days is the confession line. The act of confessing one’s sins, a requirement for Catholics, has sharply fallen over several decades with evolving views on sin, penance and the stature of the priesthood.

But now Pope Francis and church leaders, in a push to draw people back to confession, are highlighting what clergy say are the healing, uplifting aspects of the sacrament and focusing less on themes like punishment and condemnation.

Some churches are using websites, newspaper ads and highway billboards to get the message out. Under diocesan guidance, churches have also added one extra day a week to hear confession during Lent, the period before Easter when penance is considered a Catholic duty. And the pope, in an image seen and talked about around the world, confessed to a priest last month in public view.

But will these efforts change attitudes among Catholics, many of whom believe confession no longer is a necessary part of the faith?

“It’s not something I look at as something I need to do to be a good Catholic, but I always know it’s there if I feel a need to go,” said Keith Ahearn, a churchgoer who lives in Oakland, N.J.

Ahearn said seeing Pope Francis’ example of confession did cause him to think twice.

“I have to admit,” he said, “seeing the pope going to confession was a pretty powerful thing.”

Under church doctrine, Catholics should go to confession at least once a year, preferably during the Easter season. Those who commit mortal, or serious, sins like adultery and murder should not receive Communion without first going to confession. The point of confession, according to the church, is to bring about a “spiritual resurrection” and to have people reconcile with the church community.

Church leaders are trying to lure people back by putting out positive messages that confession is about peace and joy and not fear or shame.

Some dioceses are adding an extra day of confession during the Lenten season.

The Paterson, N.J., Diocese began a Welcome Home to Healing program five years ago to promote confession. The diocese added an extra day of confessions on Mondays at all 110 churches during Lent and advertised the program on billboards and lawn signs and in newspaper ads, bulletins and on a program website that offers guidance in English and Spanish about seeking confession.