mercy

In a world where “there is no shortage of hotbeds of hatred and revenge,” Pope Francis told priests and seminarians that “we confessors must multiply the ‘hotbeds of mercy,'” by making it easy for people to access the sacrament of reconciliation.

The Vatican press office said Dec. 12 that the pope is asking government leaders to consider freeing or reducing the sentences of men and women.

“Often we picture God like an umpire: crouching down whenever we step up to the plate, waiting to call strikes and outs, watching for the least infraction. But ours is a God of justice and mercy. Not simply the judge with the rulebook and the last word, but also love incarnate.”

“In the midst of our own crises and our difficulties, divine mercy often makes us aware of the sufferings of our neighbor,” the pope said April 24 at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica commemorating Divine Mercy Sunday.

In addition to individual confession with one of four priests who will be available, the day includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration and votive candles for penitents to light at the front of the church. Sacred music also will play quietly in the church.

Catholic and other faith leaders marked the “painful first anniversary” of Floyd’s May 25, 2020, death with prayers for his family and for “healing, mercy, justice and change.”

Like the disciples, who experienced Jesus’ divine mercy after the resurrection, all Christians are called to become missionaries, sharing the Gospel of God’s love and mercy with others, Pope Francis said.

At his livestreamed weekly general audience, the pope focused on the importance of thanking God and letting others see one’s gratitude.