FRANCIS

TOALLWHOREADTHISAPOSTOLICLETTER
MERCYANDPEACE

MISERICORDIAETMISERAisaphraseusedbySaintAugustineinrecounting
thestoryofJesusmeetingwiththewomantakeninadultery(cf.Jn8:111).It
wouldbedifficulttoimagineamorebeautifuloraptwayofexpressingthe
mysteryofGodslovewhenittouchesthesinner:thetwoofthemalone
remained:mercywithmisery.[1]Whatgreatmercyanddivinejusticeshine
forthinthisnarrative!Itsteachingservesnotonlytothrowlightonthe
conclusionoftheExtraordinaryJubileeofMercy,butalsotopointoutthepath
thatwearecalledtofollowinthefuture.
1.ThispageoftheGospelcouldeasilyserveasaniconofwhatwehave
celebratedduringtheHolyYear,atimerichinmercy,whichmustcontinuetobe
celebratedandlivedoutinourcommunities.Mercycannotbecomeamere
parenthesisinthelifeoftheChurchitconstitutesherveryexistence,through
whichtheprofoundtruthsoftheGospelaremademanifestandtangible.
Everythingisrevealedinmercyeverythingisresolvedinthemercifulloveofthe
Father.
AwomanandJesusmeet.Sheisanadulteressand,intheeyesoftheLaw,
liabletobestoned.Jesus,throughhispreachingandthetotalgiftofhimself
thatwouldleadhimtotheCross,returnedtheMosaicLawtoitstrueand
originalintent.Herewhatiscentralisnotthelaworlegaljustice,butthelove
ofGod,whichiscapableoflookingintotheheartofeachpersonandseeingthe
deepestdesirehiddenthereGodslovemusttakeprimacyoverallelse.This
Gospelaccount,however,isnotanencounterofsinandjudgementinthe
abstract,butofasinnerandherSaviour.Jesuslookedthatwomanintheeye
andreadinherheartadesiretobeunderstood,forgivenandsetfree.The
miseryofsinwasclothedwiththemercyoflove.Jesusonlyjudgementisone
filledwithmercyandcompassionfortheconditionofthissinner.Tothosewho
wishedtojudgeandcondemnhertodeath,Jesusreplieswithalengthysilence.
HispurposewastoletGodsvoicebeheardintheconsciencenotonlyofthe
woman,butalsointhoseofheraccusers,whodroptheirstonesandoneby
oneleavethescene(cf.Jn8:9).Jesusthensays:Woman,wherearethey?
Hasnoonecondemnedyou?NeitherdoIcondemnyou.Goyourwayand
fromnowondonotsinagain(vv.1011).Jesushelpsthewomantolookto
thefuturewithhopeandtomakeanewstartinlife.Henceforth,ifsheso

desires,shecanwalkincharity(Eph5:2).Onceclothedinmercy,evenifthe
inclinationtosinremains,itisovercomebythelovethatmakesitpossiblefor
hertolookaheadandtoliveherlifedifferently.
2.Jesushadtaughtthisclearlyonanotheroccasion,whenhehadbeeninvited
todineatthehomeofaPharisee(cf.Lk7:3650)andawoman,knownby
everyonetobeasinner,approachedhim.Shepouredperfumeoverhisfeet,
bathedthemwithhertearsanddriedthemwithherhair(cf.vv.3738).Tothe
scandalizedreactionofthePharisee,Jesusreplied:Hersins,whicharemany,
areforgiven,forshelovedmuchbuthewhoisforgivenlittle,loveslittle(v.
47).
ForgivenessisthemostvisiblesignoftheFatherslove,whichJesussoughtto
revealbyhisentirelife.EverypageoftheGospelismarkedbythisimperative
ofalovethatlovestothepointofforgiveness.Evenatthelastmomentofhis
earthlylife,ashewasbeingnailedtothecross,Jesusspokewordsof
forgiveness:Father,forgivethemfortheyknownotwhattheydo(Lk23:34).
NothingofwhatarepentantsinnerplacesbeforeGodsmercycanbeexcluded
fromtheembraceofhisforgiveness.Forthisreason,noneofushastheright
tomakeforgivenessconditional.Mercyisalwaysagratuitousactofour
heavenlyFather,anunconditionalandunmeritedactoflove.Consequently,we
cannotriskopposingthefullfreedomofthelovewithwhichGodentersintothe
lifeofeveryperson.
Mercyisthisconcreteactionoflovethat,byforgiving,transformsandchanges
ourlives.Inthisway,thedivinemysteryofmercyismademanifest.Godis
merciful(cf.Ex34:6)hismercylastsforever(cf.Ps136).Fromgenerationto
generation,itembracesallthosewhotrustinhimanditchangesthem,by
bestowingashareinhisverylife.
3.Whatgreatjoywelledupintheheartofthesetwowomen.Forgiveness
madethemfeelfreeatlastandhappyasneverbefore.Theirtearsofshame
andpainturnedintothesmileofapersonwhoknowsthatheorsheisloved.
Mercygivesrisetojoy,becauseourheartsareopenedtothehopeofanew
life.Thejoyofforgivenessisinexpressible,yetitradiatesallaroundus
wheneverweexperienceforgiveness.ItssourceisinthelovewithwhichGod
comestomeetus,breakingthroughwallsofselfishnessthatsurroundus,in
ordertomakeusinturninstrumentsofmercy.
Howmeaningfulinthisregardarethewordsofencouragementfoundinan
earlyChristiantext:Clotheyourselvesinjoy,whichalwaysisagreeableand
acceptabletoGod,andrejoiceinit.Forallwhoarejoyfuldowhatisgood,think
whatisgood,anddespisesadnessAllwhoputasidesadnessandputonjoy
willliveinGod.[2]Theexperienceofmercybringsjoy.Mayweneverallowthis

joytoberobbedfromusbyourtroublesandconcerns.Mayitremainrootedin
ourheartsandenableustoapproachwithserenitytheeventsofourdailylives.
Inacultureoftendominatedbytechnology,sadnessandlonelinessappearto
beontherise,notleastamongyoungpeople.Thefutureseemspreytoan
uncertaintythatdoesnotmakeforstability.Thisoftengivesrisetodepression,
sadnessandboredom,whichcangraduallyleadtodespair.Weneedwitnesses
tohopeandtruejoyifwearetodispeltheillusionsthatpromisequickandeasy
happinessthroughartificialparadises.Theprofoundsenseofemptinessfeltby
somanypeoplecanbeovercomebythehopewebearinourheartsandbythe
joythatitgives.Weneedtoacknowledgethejoythatrisesupinaheart
touchedbymercy.Letuskeepinmind,then,thewordsoftheApostle:Rejoice
intheLordalways(Phil4:4cf.1Thess5:16)
4.WehavecelebratedanintenseJubileeYearinwhichwehavereceivedthe
graceofmercyinabundance.Likeagustingbutwholesomewind,theLords
goodnessandmercyhavesweptthroughtheentireworld.Becauseeachofus
hasexperiencedatlengththislovinggazeofGod,wecannotremain
unaffected,foritchangesourlives.
WefeeltheneedabovealltothanktheLordandtotellhim:Lord,youhave
beenfavourabletoyourlandYouhaveforgiventheiniquityofyourpeople
(Ps85:12).Soitis.Godhassubduedouriniquitiesandcastalloursinsinto
thedepthsofthesea(cf.Mic7:19).Henolongerremembersthem,sincehe
hascastthembehindhisback(cf.Is38:17).Asfarastheeastisfromthe
west,sofarhasheremovedourtransgressionsfromus(cf.Ps103:12).
InthisHolyYear,theChurchlistenedattentivelyandexperiencedintenselythe
presenceandclosenessoftheFather,whowiththeHolySpirithasenabledher
toseewithgreaterclaritythegiftandmandateofJesusChristregarding
forgiveness.IthastrulybeenlikeanewvisitationoftheLordamongus.We
havefelthislifegivingbreathpouredoutupontheChurchand,onceagain,his
wordshavepointedoutourmission:ReceivetheHolySpirit:ifyouforgivethe
sinsofany,theyareforgivenifyouretainthesinsofany,theyareretained
(Jn20:2223).
5.Now,attheconclusionofthisJubilee,itistimetolooktothefutureandto
understandhowbesttocontinue,withjoy,fidelityandenthusiasm,experiencing
therichnessofGodsmercy.Ourcommunitiescanremainaliveandactiveinthe
workofthenewevangelizationinthemeasurethatthepastoralconversionto
whichwearecalled[3]willbeshapeddailybytherenewingforceofmercy.Let
usnotlimititsactionletusnotsaddentheSpirit,whoconstantlypointsout
newpathstotakeinbringingtoeveryonetheGospelofsalvation.
First,wearecalledtocelebratemercy.Whatgreatrichnessispresentinthe
ChurchsprayerwhensheinvokesGodastheFatherofmercies!Intheliturgy,

mercyisnotonlyrepeatedlyimplored,butistrulyreceivedandexperienced.
FromthebeginningtotheendoftheEucharisticcelebration,mercyconstantly
appearsinthedialoguebetweentheassemblyatprayerandtheheartofthe
Father,whorejoicestobestowhismercifullove.Afterfirstpleadingfor
forgivenesswiththeinvocationLordhavemercy,weareimmediately
reassured:MayalmightyGodhavemercyonus,forgiveusoursins,andlead
ustoeverlastinglife.Withthisconfidence,thecommunitygathersinthe
presenceoftheLord,particularlyontheholydayoftheresurrection.Manyof
theCollectprayersaremeanttoremindusofthegreatgiftofmercy.InLent,
forexample,wepray:OGod,authorofeverymercyandofallgoodness,who
infasting,prayerandalmsgivinghaveshownusaremedyforsin,look
graciouslyonthisconfessionofourlowliness,thatwe,whoareboweddownby
ourconscience,mayalwaysbeliftedupbyyourmercy.[4]Weareimmersedin
thegreatEucharisticPrayerwiththePrefacethatproclaims:Yousolovedthe
worldthatinyourmercyyousentustheRedeemer,tolivelikeusinallthings
butsin.[5]TheFourthEucharisticPrayerisahymntoGodsmercy:Foryou
cameinmercytotheaidofall,sothatthosewhoseekmightfindyou.Have
mercyonusall[6]istheinsistentpleamadebythepriestintheEucharistic
Prayertoimploreashareineternallife.AftertheOurFather,thepriest
continuesbyinvokingpeaceandliberationfromsinbytheaidofyourmercy.
Andbeforethesignofpeace,exchangedasanexpressionoffraternityand
mutualloveinthelightofforgivenessreceived,thepriestprays:Looknotupon
onoursinsbutonthefaithofyourChurch.[7]Inthesewords,withhumble
trustwebeseechthegiftofunityandpeaceforHolyMotherChurch.The
celebrationofdivinemercyculminatesintheEucharisticSacrifice,thememorial
ofChristspaschalmystery,thesourceofsalvationforeveryhumanbeing,for
historyandforthewholeworld.Inaword,eachmomentoftheEucharistic
celebrationreferstoGodsmercy.
Inthesacramentallife,mercyisgrantedusinabundance.Itisnotwithout
significancethattheChurchmentionsmercyexplicitlyintheformulaeofthetwo
sacramentsofhealing,namely,thesacramentofPenanceandReconciliation
andthesacramentoftheAnointingoftheSick.Inthefirst,theformulaof
absolutionreads:God,theFatherofmercies,throughthedeathand
resurrectionofhisSonhasreconciledtheworldtohimselfandsenttheHoly
SpiritamongusfortheforgivenessofsinsthroughtheministryoftheChurch
mayGodgiveyoupardonandpeace.[8]Inthesecond,theformulaof
anointingreads:ThroughthisholyanointingmaytheLordinhisloveandmercy
helpyouwiththegraceoftheHolySpirit.[9]IntheChurchsprayer,then,
referencestomercy,farfrombeingmerelyexhortative,arehighlyperformative,
whichistosaythatasweinvokemercywithfaith,itisgrantedtous,andas
weconfessittobevitalandreal,ittransformsus.Thisisafundamental
elementofourfaith,andwemustkeepitconstantlyinmind.Evenbeforethe
revelationofsin,thereistherevelationofthelovebywhichGodcreatedthe

worldandhumanbeings.LoveisthefirstactwherebyGodrevealshimselfand
turnstowardsus.SoletusopenourheartsandtrustinGodsloveforus.His
lovealwaysprecedesus,accompaniesusandremainswithus,despiteoursin.
6.Inthiscontext,hearingthewordofGodtakesonparticularsignificance.Each
Sunday,GodswordisproclaimedintheChristiancommunitysothattheLords
Daymaybeilluminatedbythepaschalmystery.[10]IntheEucharistic
celebration,weseemtowitnessatruedialoguebetweenGodandhispeople.
Inthebiblicalreadings,weretracethehistoryofoursalvationthroughthe
proclamationofGodstirelessworkofmercy.TheLordcontinuestospeaktous
todayastofriendshedwellsinourmidst,[11]inordertoaccompanyusand
showusthepathoflife.Hiswordgivesavoicetoourinmostneedsand
worries,andoffersafruitfulresponse,sothatwecanconcretelyexperiencehis
closenesstous.Hencetheimportanceofthehomily,inwhichtruthgoeshand
inhandwithbeautyandgoodness[12]sothattheheartsofbelieversmaythrill
beforethegrandeurofmercy!Istronglyencouragethatgreatcarebegivento
preparingthehomilyandtopreachingingeneral.Apriestspreachingwillbe
fruitfultotheextentthathehimselfhasexperiencedthemercifulgoodnessof
theLord.CommunicatingthecertaintythatGodlovesusisnotanexercisein
rhetoric,butaconditionforthecredibilityofonespriesthood.Thepersonal
experienceofmercyisthebestwaytomakeitatruemessageofconsolation
andconversioninthepastoralministry.Bothhomileticsandcatechesisneedto
besustainedbythispulsingheartoftheChristianlife.
7.TheBibleisthegreatstoryofthemarvelsofGodsmercy.Everyoneofits
pagesissteepedintheloveoftheFatherwhofromthemomentofcreation
wishedtoimpressthesignsofhisloveontheuniverse.Throughthewordsof
theprophetsandthewisdomwritings,theHolySpiritshapedthehistoryof
IsraelasarecognitionofGodsclosenessandlove,despitethepeoples
infidelity.JesuslifeandpreachingdecisivelymarkedthehistoryoftheChristian
community,whichhasvieweditsmissionintermsofChristscommandtobea
permanentinstrumentofhismercyandforgiveness(cf.Jn20:23).Through
SacredScripture,keptalivebythefaithoftheChurch,theLordcontinuesto
speaktohisBride,showingherthepathshemusttaketoenabletheGospelof
salvationtoreachallmankind.IgreatlydesirethatGodswordbeincreasingly
celebrated,knownanddisseminated,sothatthemysteryoflovestreaming
fromthisfontofmercymaybeeverbetterunderstood.AstheApostletellsus
clearly:AllScriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,
forcorrection,andfortraininginrighteousness(2Tim3:16).
ItwouldbebeneficialifeveryChristiancommunity,ononeSundayofthe
liturgicalyear,couldrenewitseffortstomaketheSacredScripturesbetter
knownandmorewidelydiffused.ItwouldbeaSundaygivenoverentirelytothe
wordofGod,soastoappreciatetheinexhaustiblerichescontainedinthat
constantdialoguebetweentheLordandhispeople.Creativeinitiativescanhelp

makethisanopportunityforthefaithfultobecomelivingvesselsforthe
transmissionofGodsword.Initiativesofthissortwouldcertainlyincludethe
practiceoflectiodivina,sothattheprayerfulreadingofthesacredtextwillhelp
supportandstrengthenthespirituallife.Suchareading,centredonthemes
relatingtomercy,willenableapersonalexperienceofthegreatfruitfulnessof
thebiblicaltextreadinthelightoftheChurchsspiritualtraditionandthus
giverisetoconcretegesturesandworksofcharity.[13]
8.Thecelebrationofmercytakesplaceinaveryparticularwayinthe
SacramentofPenanceandReconciliation.Herewefeeltheembraceofthe
Father,whocomesforthtomeetusandgrantusthegraceofbeingoncemore
hissonsanddaughters.Wearesinnersandwebeartheburdenof
contradictionbetweenwhatwewishtodoandwhatwedoinfact(cf.Rom
7:1421).Yetgracealwaysprecedesusandtakesonthefaceofthemercy
thateffectsourreconciliationandpardon.Godmakesusunderstandhisgreat
loveforuspreciselywhenwerecognizethatwearesinners.Graceisstronger
thansin:itovercomesresistance,becauseloveconquersall(cf.1Cor13:7).
InthesacramentofForgivenessGodshowsusthewaytoturnbacktohimand
invitesustoexperiencehisclosenessanew.Thispardoncanbeobtainedby
beginning,firstofall,toliveincharity.TheApostlePetertellsusthiswhenhe
writesthatlovecoversamultitudeofsins(1Pet4:8).OnlyGodforgivessins,
butheasksthatwebereadytoforgiveothersevenashehasforgivenus:
Forgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus(Mt
6:12).Howsaditiswhenourheartsareclosedandunabletoforgive!
Resentment,angerandrevengegaintheupperhand,makingourlives
miserableandblockingajoyfulcommitmenttomercy.
9.AnexperienceofgracelivedoutbytheChurchwithgreateffectivenessin
theJubileeYearhascertainlybeentheserviceoftheMissionariesofMercy.
TheirpastoralactivitysoughttoemphasizethatGodplacesnoroadblocksinthe
wayofthosewhoseekhimwithacontriteheart,becausehegoesouttomeet
everyonelikeafather.Ihavereceivedmanytestimoniesofjoyfromthosewho
encounteredtheLordoncemoreinthesacramentofConfession.Letusnot
misstheopportunitytoliveourfaithalsoasanexperienceofreconciliation.
Todaytoo,theApostleurgesus:BereconciledtoGod(2Cor5:20),sothat
allwhobelievecandiscoverthepoweroflovewhichmakesusanewcreation
(2Cor5:17).
IthankeveryMissionaryofMercyforthisvaluableserviceaimedatrendering
effectivethegraceofforgiveness.Thisextraordinaryministrydoesnotendwith
theclosingoftheHolyDoor.Iwishittocontinueuntilfurthernoticeasa
concretesignthatthegraceoftheJubileeremainsaliveandeffectivetheworld
over.AsadirectexpressionofmyconcernandproximitytotheMissionariesof
Mercyinthisperiod,thePontificalCouncilforthePromotionoftheNew

Evangelizationwillsupervisethemandfindthemostsuitableformsforthe
exerciseofthisvaluableministry.
10.Iinvitepriestsoncemoretopreparecarefullyfortheministryofconfession,
whichisatruepriestlymission.Ithankallofyoufromtheheartforyour
ministry,andIaskyoutobewelcomingtoall,witnessesoffatherlylove
whateverthegravityofthesininvolved,attentiveinhelpingpenitentstoreflect
ontheeviltheyhavedone,clearinpresentingmoralprinciples,willingtowalk
patientlybesidethefaithfulontheirpenitentialjourney,farsightedindiscerning
individualcasesandgenerousindispensingGodsforgiveness.JustasJesus
chosetoremainsilentinordertosavethewomancaughtinadulteryfromthe
sentenceofdeath,soeverypriestintheconfessionalshouldbeopenhearted,
sinceeverypenitentisareminderthathehimselfisasinner,butalsoaminister
ofmercy.
11.IwouldlikeusalltomeditateuponthewordsoftheApostle,written
towardstheendofhislife,whenheconfessestoTimothythathewasthe
greatestofsinners,butforthisreasonIreceivedmercy(1Tim1:16).Pauls
words,powerfulastheyare,makeusreflectonourlivesandseeGodsmercy
atworkinchanging,convertingandreformingourhearts.Ithankhimwhohas
givenmestrengthforthis,ChristJesusourLord,becausehejudgedmefaithful
byappointingmetohisservice,thoughIformerlyblasphemedandpersecuted
andinsultedhim.ButIreceivedmercy(1Tim1:1213).
LetusrecallwithrenewedpastoralzealanothersayingoftheApostle:God
hasreconciledustohimselfthroughChristandhasentrustedtousthe
messageofreconciliation(2Cor5:18).Wewerethefirsttobeforgiveninview
ofthisministry,madewitnessesatfirsthandoftheuniversalityofGods
forgiveness.NolaworpreceptcanpreventGodfromoncemoreembracingthe
sonwhoreturnstohim,admittingthathehasdonewrongbutintendingtostart
hislifeanew.Remainingonlyatthelevelofthelawisequivalenttothwarting
faithanddivinemercy.Thelawhasapropaedeuticvalue(cf.Gal3:24)with
charityasitsgoal(cf.1Tim1:5).Nonetheless,Christiansarecalledto
experiencethenewnessoftheGospel,thelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChrist
Jesus(Rom8:2).Eveninthemostcomplexcases,wherethereisatemptation
toapplyajusticederivedfromrulesalone,wemustbelieveinthepower
flowingfromdivinegrace.
Weconfessorshaveexperiencedmanyconversionsthattookplacebeforeour
veryeyes.Wefeelresponsible,then,foractionsandwordsthatcantouchthe
heartofpenitentsandenablethemtodiscovertheclosenessandtendernessof
theFatherwhoforgives.Letusnotlosesuchoccasionsbyactinginawaythat
cancontradicttheexperienceofmercythatthepenitentseeks.Rather,letus
helplightupthespaceofpersonalconsciencewithGodsinfinitelove(cf.1Jn
3:20).

TheSacramentofReconciliationmustregainitscentralplaceintheChristian
life.Thisrequirespriestscapableofputtingtheirlivesattheserviceofthe
ministryofreconciliation(2Cor5:18),insuchawaythat,whilenosincerely
repentantsinnerispreventedfromdrawingneartotheloveoftheFatherwho
awaitshisreturn,everyoneisaffordedtheopportunityofexperiencingthe
liberatingpowerofforgiveness.
Afavourableoccasionforthiscouldbethe24HoursfortheLord,acelebration
heldinproximitytotheFourthSundayofLent.Thisinitiative,alreadyinplacein
manydioceses,hasgreatpastoralvalueinencouragingamorefervent
experienceofthesacramentofConfession.
12.Giventhisneed,lestanyobstaclearisebetweentherequestfor
reconciliationandGodsforgiveness,Ihenceforthgranttoallpriests,invirtueof
theirministry,thefacultytoabsolvethosewhohavecommittedthesinof
procuredabortion.TheprovisionIhadmadeinthisregard,limitedtothe
durationoftheExtraordinaryHolyYear,[14]isherebyextended,notwithstanding
anythingtothecontrary.IwishtorestateasfirmlyasIcanthatabortionisa
gravesin,sinceitputsanendtoaninnocentlife.Inthesameway,however,I
canandmuststatethatthereisnosinthatGodsmercycannotreachandwipe
awaywhenitfindsarepentantheartseekingtobereconciledwiththeFather.
Mayeverypriest,therefore,beaguide,supportandcomforttopenitentson
thisjourneyofspecialreconciliation.
FortheJubileeYearIhadalsograntedthatthosefaithfulwho,forvarious
reasons,attendchurchesofficiatedbythepriestsofthePriestlyFraternityof
SaintPiusX,canvalidlyandlicitlyreceivethesacramentalabsolutionoftheir
sins.[15]Forthepastoralbenefitofthesefaithful,andtrustinginthegoodwill
oftheirprieststostrivewithGodshelpfortherecoveryoffullcommunionin
theCatholicChurch,Ihavepersonallydecidedtoextendthisfacultybeyondthe
JubileeYear,untilfurtherprovisionsaremade,lestanyoneeverbedeprivedof
thesacramentalsignofreconciliationthroughtheChurchspardon.
13.Anotherfaceofmercyisconsolation.Comfort,comfortmypeople(Is
40:1)istheheartfeltpleathattheprophetcontinuestomaketoday,sothata
wordofhopemaycometoallthosewhoexperiencesufferingandpain.Letus
neverallowourselvestoberobbedofthehopebornoffaithintheRisenLord.
True,weareoftensorelytested,butwemustneverloseourcertaintyofthe
Lordsloveforus.Hismercyfindsexpressionalsointhecloseness,affection
andsupportthatmanyofourbrothersandsisterscanofferusattimesof
sadnessandaffliction.Thedryingoftearsisonewaytobreaktheviciouscircle
ofsolitudeinwhichweoftenfindourselvestrapped.
Allofusneedconsolationbecausenooneissparedsuffering,painand
misunderstanding.Howmuchpaincanbecausedbyaspitefulremarkbornof
envy,jealousyoranger!Whatgreatsufferingiscausedbytheexperienceof

betrayal,violenceandabandonment!Howmuchsorrowinthefaceofthedeath
ofalovedone!AndyetGodisneverfarfromusatthesemomentsofsadness
andtrouble.Areassuringword,anembracethatmakesusfeelunderstood,a
caressthatmakesusfeellove,aprayerthatmakesusstrongerallthese
thingsexpressGodsclosenessthroughtheconsolationofferedbyourbrothers
andsisters.
Sometimestoo,silencecanbehelpful,especiallywhenwecannotfindwordsin
responsetothequestionsofthosewhosuffer.Alackofwords,however,can
bemadeupforbythecompassionofapersonwhostaysatourside,who
lovesusandwhoholdsoutahand.Itisnottruethatsilenceisanactof
surrenderonthecontrary,itisamomentofstrengthandlove.Silencealso
belongstoourlanguageofconsolation,becauseitbecomesaconcretewayof
sharinginthesufferingofabrotherorsister.
14.Atatimelikeourown,markedbymanycrises,includingthatofthefamily,
itisimportanttoofferawordofcomfortandstrengthtoourfamilies.Thegift
ofmatrimonyisagreatcallingtowhichspouses,withthegraceofChrist,
respondwithalovethatisgenerous,faithfulandpatient.Thebeautyofthe
familyenduresunchanged,despitesomanyproblemsandalternativeproposals:
ThejoyofloveexperiencedbyfamiliesisalsothejoyoftheChurch.[16]The
journeyoflifethatleadsamanandawomantomeetoneother,toloveone
anotherandtopromisemutualfidelitybeforeGod,isofteninterruptedby
suffering,betrayalandloneliness.Joyatthegiftofchildrenisaccompaniedby
concernabouttheirgrowthandeducation,andtheirprospectsforhappiness
andfulfilmentinlife.
ThegraceofthesacramentofMarriagenotonlystrengthensthefamilytobea
privilegedplaceforpractisingmercy,butalsocommitstheChristiancommunity
andallitspastoralactivitytoupholdthegreatpositivevalueofthefamily.This
JubileeYearcannotoverlookthecomplexityofthecurrentrealitiesoffamilylife.
Theexperienceofmercyenablesustoregardallhumanproblemsfromthe
standpointofGodslove,whichnevertiresofwelcomingandaccompanying.[17]
Wehavetoremembereachofuscarriestherichnessandtheburdensofour
personalhistorythisiswhatmakesusdifferentfromeveryoneelse.Ourlife,
withitsjoysandsorrows,issomethinguniqueandunrepeatablethattakes
placeunderthemercifulgazeofGod.Thisdemands,especiallyofpriests,a
careful,profoundandfarsightedspiritualdiscernment,sothateveryone,none
excluded,canfeelacceptedbyGod,participateactivelyinthelifeofthe
communityandbepartofthatPeopleofGodwhichjourneystirelesslytowards
thefullnessofhiskingdomofjustice,love,forgivenessandmercy.
15.Heretoo,weseetheparticularimportanceofthemomentofdeath.The
ChurchhasalwaysexperiencedthisdramaticpassageinthelightofChrists
resurrection,whichopenedthewaytothecertaintyofthelifetocome.We

haveagreatchallengetoface,especiallyincontemporaryculture,whichoften
tendstotrivializedeathtothepointoftreatingitasanillusionorhidingitfrom
sight.Yetdeathmustbefacedandpreparedforasapainfulandinescapable
passage,yetonechargedwithimmensemeaning,foritistheultimateactof
lovetowardsthoseweleavebehindandtowardsGodwhomwegoforthto
meet.Inallreligions,themomentofdeath,likethatofbirth,isaccompaniedby
areligiouspresence.AsChristians,wecelebratethefuneralliturgyasahope
filledprayerforthesoulofthedeceasedandfortheconsolationofthosewho
sufferthelossofalovedone.
Iamconvincedthatourfaithfilledpastoralactivityshouldleadtoadirect
experienceofhowtheliturgicalsignsandourprayersareanexpressionofthe
Lordsmercy.ItistheLordhimselfwhoofferswordsofhope,sincenothingand
noonecaneverseparateusfromhislove(cf.Rom8:35).Thepriestssharing
inthismomentisanimportantformofpastoralcare,foritrepresentsthe
closenessoftheChristiancommunityatamomentofweakness,solitude,
uncertaintyandgrief.
16.TheJubileenowendsandtheHolyDoorisclosed.Butthedoorofmercyof
ourheartcontinuestoremainwideopen.WehavelearnedthatGodbends
downtous(cf.Hos11:4)sothatwemayimitatehiminbendingdowntoour
brothersandsisters.Theyearningofsomanypeopletoturnbacktothehouse
oftheFather,whoawaitstheirreturn,hasalsobeenawakenedbyheartfeltand
generoustestimoniestoGodslove.TheHolyDoorthatwehavecrossedinthis
JubileeYearhassetusonthepathofcharity,whichwearecalledtotravel
dailywithfidelityandjoy.Itistheroadofmercy,onwhichwemeetsomanyof
ourbrothersandsisterswhoreachoutforsomeonetotaketheirhandand
becomeacompanionontheway.
ThedesireforclosenesstoChristrequiresustodrawneartoourbrothersand
sisters,fornothingismorepleasingtotheFatherthanatruesignofmercy.By
itsverynature,mercybecomesvisibleandtangibleinspecificacts.Oncemercy
hasbeentrulyexperienced,itisimpossibletoturnback.Itgrowsconstantlyand
itchangesourlives.Itisanauthenticnewcreation:itbringsaboutanewheart,
capableoflovingtothefull,anditpurifiesoureyestoperceivehiddenneeds.
HowtruearethewordsoftheChurchsprayerattheEasterVigil,afterthe
readingofthecreationaccount:OGod,whowonderfullycreatedhumannature
andstillmorewonderfullyredeemedit.[18]
Mercyrenewsandredeemsbecauseitisanencounterbetweentwohearts:the
heartofGodwhocomestomeetusandahumanheart.Thelatteriswarmed
andhealedbytheformer.Ourheartsofstonebecomeheartsofflesh(cf.Ezek
36:26)capableoflovedespiteoursinfulness.IcometorealizethatIamtrulya
newcreation(Gal6:15):Iamloved,thereforeIexistIamforgiven,therefore

IamrebornIhavebeenshownmercy,thereforeIhavebecomeavesselof
mercy.
17.DuringtheHolyYear,especiallyontheFridaysofMercy,Iwasableto
experienceinatangiblewaythegoodnesspresentinourworld.Oftenit
remainshidden,sinceitisdailyexpressedindiscreetandquietgestures.Evenif
rarelypublicized,manyconcreteactsofgoodnessandtendernessareshownto
theweakandthevulnerable,tothosemostlonelyandabandoned.Thereare
truechampionsofcharitywhoshowconstantsolidaritywiththepoorandthe
unhappy.LetusthanktheLordforthesepreciousgiftsthatinviteustodiscover
thejoyofdrawingneartohumanweaknessandsuffering.Ialsothinkwith
gratitudeofthemanyvolunteerswhodailydevotetheirtimeandeffortsto
showingGodspresenceandcloseness.Theirserviceisagenuineworkof
mercy,onethathelpsmanypeopledrawclosertotheChurch.
18.Nowisthetimetounleashthecreativityofmercy,tobringaboutnew
undertakings,thefruitofgrace.TheChurchtodayneedstotellofthosemany
othersignsthatJesusworked,whicharenotwritten(Jn20:30),sothatthey
toomaybeaneloquentexpressionofthefruitfulnessoftheloveofChristand
thecommunitythatdrawsitslifefromhim.Twothousandyearshavepassed,
yetworksofmercycontinuetomakeGodsgoodnessvisible.
Inourownday,wholepeoplessufferhungerandthirst,andwearehauntedby
picturesofchildrenwithnothingtoeat.Throngsofpeoplecontinuetomigrate
fromonecountrytoanotherinsearchoffood,work,shelterandpeace.Disease
initsvariousformsisaconstantcauseofsufferingthatcriesoutfor
assistance,comfortandsupport.Prisonsareoftenplaceswhereconfinementis
accompaniedbyserioushardshipsduetoinhumanelivingconditions.Illiteracy
remainswidespread,preventingchildrenfromdevelopingtheirpotentialand
exposingthemtonewformsofslavery.Thecultureofextremeindividualism,
especiallyintheWest,hasledtoalossofasenseofsolidaritywithand
responsibilityforothers.TodaymanypeoplehavenoexperienceofGodhimself,
andthisrepresentsthegreatestpovertyandthemajorobstacletorecognition
oftheinviolabledignityofhumanlife.
Toconclude,thecorporalandspiritualworksofmercycontinueinourownday
tobeproofofmercysimmensepositiveinfluenceasasocialvalue.Mercy
impelsustorollupoursleevesandsetaboutrestoringdignitytomillionsof
peopletheyareourbrothersandsisterswho,withus,arecalledtobuildacity
whichisreliable.[19]
19.ManyconcretesignsofmercyhavebeenperformedduringthisHolyYear.
Communities,familiesandindividualshaverediscoveredthejoyofsharingand
thebeautyofsolidarity.Butthisisnotenough.Ourworldcontinuestocreate
newformsofspiritualandmaterialpovertythatassaulthumandignity.Forthis

reason,theChurchmustalwaysbevigilantandreadytoidentifynewworksof
mercyandtopractisethemwithgenerosityandenthusiasm.
Letusmakeeveryeffort,then,todevisespecificandresponsiblewaysof
practisingcharityandtheworksofmercy.Mercyisinclusiveandtendsto
expandinawaythatknowsnolimits.Hencewearecalledtogivenew
expressiontothetraditionalworksofmercy.Formercyoverflows,keepsmoving
forward,bearsrichfruit.Itisliketheleaventhatmakesthedoughrise(cf.Mt
13:33),orthemustardseedthatgrowsintoatree(cf.Lk13:19).
Weneedbutthinkofonecorporalworkofmercy:toclothethenaked(cf.Mt
25:36,38,43,44).Thisbringsusbacktothebeginning,intheGardenofEden,
whenAdamandEverealizethattheyarenakedand,hearingtheLord
approaching,feelshameandhidethemselves(Gen3:78).WeknowthatGod
punishedthem,yethealsomadeforAdamandforhiswifegarmentsofskins,
andclothedthem(Gen3:21).Hecoveredtheirshameandrestoredtheir
dignity.
LetusthinktooofJesusonGolgotha.TheSonofGodhangsnakedonthe
crossthesoldierstookhistunicandcastlotsforit(cf.Jn19:2324).Hehas
nothingleft.ThecrossistheextremerevelationofJesussharingthelotof
thosewhohavelosttheirdignityforlackofthenecessitiesoflife.Justasthe
ChurchiscalledtobethetunicofChrist[20]andtoclotheherLordonce
more,soSheiscommittedtosolidaritywiththenakedoftheworld,tohelp
themrecoverthedignityofwhichtheyhavebeenstripped.Jesuswords:Iwas
nakedandyouclothedme(Mt25:36),obligeusnottoturnourbacksonthe
newformsofpovertyandmarginalizationthatpreventpeoplefromlivingalife
ofdignity.
Beingunemployedornotreceivingasufficientsalarynotbeingabletohavea
homeoralandinwhichtoliveexperiencingdiscriminationonaccountofones
faith,raceorsocialstatus:thesearejustafewofthemanyexamplesof
situationsthatattackthedignityoftheperson.Inthefaceofsuchattacks,
Christianmercyrespondsaboveallwithvigilanceandsolidarity.Howmany
situationsexisttodaywherewecanrestoredignitytoindividualsandmake
possibleatrulyhumanelife!Letusthinkonlyaboutthemanychildrenwho
sufferfromformsofviolencethatrobthemofthejoyoflife.Ikeepthinkingof
theirsorrowfulandbewilderedfaces.Theyarepleadingforourhelptobeset
freefromtheslaveryofthecontemporaryworld.Thesechildrenaretheyoung
adultsoftomorrow.Howarewepreparingthemtolivewithdignityand
responsibility?Withwhathopecantheyfacetheirpresentortheirfuture?
Thesocialcharacterofmercydemandsthatwenotsimplystandbyanddo
nothing.Itrequiresustobanishindifferenceandhypocrisy,lestourplansand
projectsremainadeadletter.MaytheHolySpirithelpustocontributeactively
andselflesslytomakingjusticeandadignifiedlifenotsimplyclichsbuta

concretecommitmentofthosewhoseektobearwitnesstothepresenceofthe
KingdomofGod.
20.Wearecalledtopromoteacultureofmercybasedontherediscoveryof
encounterwithothers,acultureinwhichnoonelooksatanotherwith
indifferenceorturnsawayfromthesufferingofourbrothersandsisters.The
worksofmercyarehandcrafted,inthesensethatnoneofthemisalike.Our
handscancrafttheminathousanddifferentways,andeventhoughtheone
Godinspiresthem,andtheyareallfashionedfromthesamematerial,mercy
itself,eachonetakesonadifferentform.
Theworksofmercyaffectapersonsentirelife.Forthisreason,wecansetin
motionarealculturalrevolution,beginningwithsimplegesturescapableof
reachingbodyandspirit,peoplesverylives.Thisisacommitmentthatthe
Christiancommunityshouldtakeup,intheknowledgethatGodsword
constantlycallsustoleavebehindthetemptationtohidebehindindifference
andindividualisminordertoleadacomfortablelifefreeofproblems.Jesustells
hisdisciples:Thepoorwillalwaysbewithyou(Jn12:8).Thereisnoalibito
justifynotengagingwiththepoorwhenJesushasidentifiedhimselfwitheach
ofthem.
Thecultureofmercyisshapedinassiduousprayer,indocilitytotheworkingof
theHolySpirit,inknowledgeofthelivesofthesaintsandinbeingclosetothe
poor.Iturgesusnottooverlooksituationsthatcallforourinvolvement.The
temptationtotheorizeaboutmercycanbeovercometotheextentthatour
dailylifebecomesoneofparticipationandsharing.Norshouldweeverforget
whattheApostletellsusabouthismeetingwithPeter,JamesandJohnafter
hisconversion.Hiswordshighlightanessentialaspectofhisownmissionand
oftheChristianlifeasawhole:Theyaskedonlyonething,thatweremember
thepoor,whichwasactuallywhatIwaseagertodo(Gal2:10).Wecannot
forgetthepoor:thisisaninjunctionasrelevanttodayasever,andonethat
compelsbyitsevangelicalwarrant.
21.TheJubileeimpressesuponusthewordsoftheApostlePeter:Onceyou
hadnotreceivedmercy,butnowyouhavereceivedmercy(1Pet2:10).Letus
notholdonjealouslytowhatwehavereceived,butshareitwithourbrothers
andsistersinneed,sothattheycanbesustainedbythepoweroftheFathers
mercy.Mayourcommunitiesreachouttoallwholiveintheirmidst,sothat
Godscaressmayreacheveryonethroughthewitnessofbelievers.
Thisisthetimeofmercy.EachdayofourjourneyismarkedbyGodspresence.
HeguidesourstepswiththepowerofthegracethattheSpiritpoursintoour
heartstomakethemcapableofloving.Itisthetimeofmercyforeachandall,
sincenoonecanthinkthatheorsheiscutofffromGodsclosenessandthe
powerofhistenderlove.Itisthetimeofmercybecausethosewhoareweak
andvulnerable,distantandalone,oughttofeelthepresenceofbrothersand

sisterswhocanhelpthemintheirneed.Itisthetimeofmercybecausethe
poorshouldfeelthattheyareregardedwithrespectandconcernbyotherswho
haveovercomeindifferenceanddiscoveredwhatisessentialinlife.Itisthe
timeofmercybecausenosinnercanevertireofaskingforgivenessandallcan
feelthewelcomingembraceoftheFather.
DuringtheJubileeforSociallyExcludedPeople,astheHolyDoorsofMercy
werebeingclosedinallthecathedralsandshrinesoftheworld,Ihadtheidea
that,asyetanothertangiblesignofthisExtraordinaryHolyYear,theentire
Churchmightcelebrate,ontheThirtyThirdSundayofOrdinaryTime,theWorld
DayofthePoor.Thiswouldbetheworthiestwaytoprepareforthecelebration
oftheSolemnityofourLordJesusChrist,KingoftheUniverse,whoidentified
withthelittleonesandthepoorandwhowilljudgeusonourworksofmercy
(cf.Mt25:3146).Itwouldbeadaytohelpcommunitiesandeachofthe
baptizedtoreflectonhowpovertyisattheveryheartoftheGospelandthat,
aslongasLazarusliesatthedoorofourhomes(cf.Lk16:1921),therecanbe
nojusticeorsocialpeace.ThisDaywillalsorepresentagenuineformofnew
evangelization(cf.Mt11:5)whichcanrenewthefaceoftheChurchasShe
perseveresinherperennialactivityofpastoralconversionandwitnesstomercy.
22.TheHolyMotherofGodalwayslooksuponuswithhereyesofmercy.She
isthefirsttoshowusthewayandtoaccompanyusinourwitnessoflove.As
sheisoftenshowninworksofart,theMotherofMercygathersusallunderthe
protectionofhermantle.Letustrustinhermaternalassistanceandfollowher
perennialcounseltolooktoJesus,theradiantfaceofGodsmercy.
GiveninRome,atSaintPetersBasilica,on20November,theSolemnityofour
LordJesusChrist,KingoftheUniverse,intheyear2016,thefourthofmy
Pontificate.
FRANCIS
[1]OntheGospelofJohn,XXXIII,5.
[2]ShepherdofHermas,XLII,14.
[3]Cf.ApostolicExhortationEvangeliiGaudium,27.
[4]RomanMissal,OpeningPrayerfortheThirdSundayofLent.
[5]Ibid.,PrefaceforSundaysinOrdinaryTimeVII.
[6]Ibid.,EucharisticPrayerII.
[7]Ibid.,CommunionRite.

[8]RiteofPenance,No.46.
[9]SacramentofAnointingandPastoralCareoftheSick,No.76.
[10]Cf.SECONDVATICANECUMENICALCOUNCIL,ConstitutionontheSacred
LiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,106.
[11]ID.,DogmaticConstitutionDeiVerbum,2.
[12]ApostolicExhortationEvangeliiGaudium,142.
[13]Cf.BENEDICTXVI,PostSynodalApostolicExhortationVerbumDomini,86
87.
[14]Cf.LetterAccordingtoWhichanIndulgenceisGrantedtotheFaithfulon
theOccasionoftheExtraordinaryJubileeofMercy,1September2015.
[15]Cf.ibid.
[16]PostSynodalApostolicExhortationAmorisLaetitia,1.
[17]Cf.ibid.,291300.
[18]RomanMissal,EasterVigil,PrayeraftertheFirstReading.
[19]EncyclicalLetterLumenFidei,50.
[20]Cf.CYPRIAN,OntheUnityoftheCatholicChurch,7.

CopyrightLibreriaEditriceVaticana