"We're No Angels" (1989) - underrated Penitent Theory?

Okay, so I just re-watched "We're No Angels" (the 1989 one with De Niro and Sean Penn – no idea who directed it, I just follow actors mostly). It's a fun movie, right? But I think there's something REALLY interesting going on thematically that people kinda miss, and it has to do with the idea of actual repentance. Hear me out. They start out as these hardened criminals, obviously. But as they get deeper and deeper into impersonating priests, something changes. I mean, the whole "miracle" scene with the statue crying legit made me laugh out loud, but beyond the humor, it's like they start getting affected by the faith aspect they're faking. Could it be the director was exploring the subconscious and how people can act towards repentance when forced into a difficult situation? I'm unsure I see this movie being so clever and deep, but who knows. Specifically, look at the scene where they're hearing confessions. Sure, they start it as a gag. But then, you can see a flicker in De Niro's eyes, especially when he's giving advice to the young woman who's pregnant. He’s actually thinking about what he's saying, not just trying to get through the charade. And Sean Penn's character with the deaf girl? That felt incredibly genuine, even if the setup was absurd. Was the director showing that the path to repentance is possible even when bad people do good things? Maybe I'm totally overthinking a comedy, but I genuinely believe "We're No Angels" is smarter than it gets credit for. It's not just about two guys trying to escape; it's about the possibility of redemption, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. What do you guys think? Am I reaching, or is there something to this 'accidental penitence' theory?