Popular News

HomeNewsVaticanThe Pope emeritus’ words on mercy in Saint John Paul II

The Pope emeritus’ words on mercy in Saint John Paul II

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI sends a letter to the Bishops of Poland for the birth centenary of his predecessor, Pope St. John Paul II.

By Vatican News

“The whole of the Pope’s life was centered on subjectively assimilating the objective center of the Christian faith – the teaching of salvation – and allowing others to accept it.”

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI wrote those words in a letter for the centenary of the birth of Saint John Paul II.

“Thanks to the risen Christ, the mercy of God is for all”, recalls the Pope emeritus. He adds that “everyone must know that the mercy of God will eventually prove stronger than our weakness”.

“It is here,” said the Pope emeritus, “that we must find the inner unity of John Paul II’s message and the fundamental intentions of Pope Francis: contrary to what is sometimes said, John Paul II is not a moral rigorist. By demonstrating the essential importance of divine mercy, he gives us the opportunity to accept the moral demands placed on man, even though we can never fully satisfy them. Our moral efforts are undertaken in the light of the mercy of God, which reveals itself as strength that heals our weakness.”

Popular News

Pope Leo XIV mourns lives lost in Spain train collision

Upon learning the news of a railway accident that occurred in Spain killing 68...

Pope Leo XIV to visit five Rome parishes for Advent

Pope Leo XIV will meet parish communities and celebrate Mass during visits to all...

From John Paul II to Pope Leo XIV: 40 years of the ‘Spirit of Assisi’

On the 40th anniversary of the historic Day of Prayer for Peace, convened by...

Pope Leo to celebrate All Souls’ Mass at Rome’s Verano Cemetery

The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff releases the Calendar of...