Pope Francis presents mercy as the foundation of the Church and the heart of the Gospel, using Jesus’ forgiveness of the woman caught in adultery as its defining image. The Jubilee Year renews the Church’s mission to receive and proclaim God’s free, transformative forgiveness through the liturgy, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, preaching, and prayerful engagement with Scripture.

Particular attention goes to reconciliation: the Missionaries of Mercy are to continue their ministry, priests are urged to hear Confession with tenderness and discernment, all priests receive the faculty to absolve abortion, and sacramental absolution is extended for the faithful who approach priests of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X. Mercy must also take social form through consolation, care for families and the bereaved, service to migrants and the poor, resistance to unemployment, discrimination, and child exploitation, and the annual World Day of the Poor. The Virgin Mary is offered as a model and intercessor for this lasting culture of mercy.