Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized Pope Francis's legacy of mercy during the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, which also marked the second day of mourning. Parolin highlighted that mercy was a central theme of Pope Francis's papacy, encouraging believers to embrace this legacy. The Mass coincided with the Jubilee of Teenagers, drawing a large crowd to St. Peter's Square. Parolin described Pope Francis as an instrument of mercy for humanity, urging the Church to continue his focus on compassion and forgiveness. He stated that mercy is the very name of God and is essential for healing and creating a new world.
8 days ago
Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square during the Novendiales, the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis 1 2. Parolin's homily emphasized the need for the Church to follow Pope Francis's example as "instruments of mercy for humanity" 1 2. He highlighted that only mercy can heal and create a new world, extinguishing distrust, hatred, and violence, which he identified as Pope Francis's great teaching 1 2 3.
Parolin stressed that Pope Francis's papacy was characterized by the Father's mercy, which surpasses human limitations 1 2. He insisted that affection for the late Pope should not be fleeting but should inspire the Church to embrace his legacy by opening itself to God's mercy and showing mercy to one another 1 2 3 5. Pope Francis, according to Parolin, reminded everyone that mercy is the very name of God, without limits to His love 3 5 6 10.
Tens of thousands of young pilgrims, present for the Jubilee of Teenagers, attended the Mass 1 2. Parolin addressed the young people, encouraging them to be close to Jesus Christ and reflect His merciful face to others 1 2. He conveyed Pope Francis's desire to have met them, looked into their eyes, and greeted them 1 2 6. Parolin urged them to nourish their lives with the hope of Jesus Christ, especially when facing challenges like technology and artificial intelligence 5 6 7.
Parolin emphasized the Church must continue to be a place where mercy heals, fosters reconciliation, and overcomes division 1 5 7. He noted Pope Francis's reminder that there can be no peace without recognizing others, attending to the weak, and learning to forgive 3 6 10. Parolin entrusted the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Pope Francis was deeply devoted, asking for her protection and support for humanity's journey toward peace and fraternity 5 6 7 10.
On Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis's legacy emphasizes God's profound love and unfailing support for humanity . This legacy encourages Catholics to embrace and practice mercy in their lives, fostering reconciliation and fraternal solidarity .
Divine Mercy embodies God's definitive choice to save every person, demonstrated through Jesus Christ . It is a boundless offer of forgiveness, available to all who seek it with a sincere heart . Pope John Paul II recognized the importance of this concept, advocating for its urgent proclamation in a world that often overlooks it .
Divine Mercy Sunday, established by Pope John Paul II, emphasizes the path of mercy, which restores the relationship between individuals and God and promotes unity among people . It is a call to witness and spread Christ's merciful love, offering hope and peace to the world .
As Christians, you are called to share the good news of God's mercy with others, spreading the joy and love you have received . This involves not only forgiving sins but also attending to the material and spiritual needs of those around you, following the example of Jesus .
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a key means of experiencing and proclaiming God's mercy . It requires preparation to help those who participate to "touch the grandeur of God's mercy with their own hands" . Confessors play a vital role in this process, acting as living witnesses of the Father's mercy .
In summary, Pope Francis's legacy of mercy invites all to recognize and embrace God's unfailing love, to practice mercy in their daily lives, and to share this message of hope and reconciliation with the world.