The multiple audiences for the Year of Mercy

Pope Francis walks through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican Dec. 8. (CNS/L'Osservatore Romano, handout)

by Thomas Reese | Dec. 17, 2015

From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis’ homilies and speeches have emphasized “mercy” as a common theme. As a result, it was no surprise when he declared that the church would celebrate a holy year of mercy this year.

The year of mercy is directed at three audiences: individuals in the church, clergy, and the world.

Every person’s experience of God’s mercy is unique and personal.

When Francis was asked in the famous 2013 interview, “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” he replied: “I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.”

http://ncronline.org/blogs/faith-and-justice/multiple-audiences-year-mercy