Did you know that Pope Francis was often referred to as the Pope of Mercy? Throughout his lifetime, he exhorted the faithful to embrace the selfless mercy of Christ, extending grace to all. This week, as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday and the gift of our salvation through Christ, we hope you’re inspired by these five quotes about Divine Mercy from Pope Francis.
Mercy Begins in Selfless Love
“Jesus makes us see the wounds of our brothers and sisters. In the midst of our own crises and our difficulties, divine mercy often makes us aware of the sufferings of our neighbour. We think that we are experiencing unbearable pain and situations of suffering, and we suddenly discover that others around us are silently enduring even worse things. If we care for the wounds of our neighbour and pour upon them the balm of mercy, we find being reborn within us a hope that comforts us in our weariness. Let us ask ourselves whether of late we have helped someone suffering in mind or body; whether we have brought peace to someone suffering physically or spiritually; whether we have spent some time simply listening, being present, or bringing comfort to another person.” — from the Homily on Divine Mercy Sunday 2022
Mercy Begets Mercy
“The risen Jesus appeared to the disciples on several occasions. He patiently soothed their troubled hearts. Risen Himself, He now brings about ‘the resurrection of the disciples.’ He raises their spirits and their lives are changed… at Easter, something new happens, and it happens in the light of mercy. Jesus raises them up with mercy. Having received that mercy, they become merciful in turn. It is hard to be merciful without the experience of having first received mercy.” — From the Homily on Divine Mercy Sunday 2021
How Christ’s Mercy Brings Renewal
“Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another ‘seventy times seven’ (Mt 18:22) has given us His example: He has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again He bears us on His shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, He makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew.”— from the Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, pp. 3
God’s Mercy and Patience
“Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God’s face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God’s patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. ‘Great is God’s mercy,’ says the Psalm.” — from the Angelus on March 17, 2013
The Tangible Mercy of Christ
“As we can see in Sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action towards us. He does not limit Himself merely to affirming His love, but makes it visible and tangible. Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviors that are shown in daily living. The mercy of God is His loving concern for each one of us.” — from the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2015)