Pope focuses on reconciliation in Mass dedicated to mercy
Sunday, April 08, 2018 07:41 am
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The statue of St. Peter towers over prelates attending a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on the Sunday of Divine Mercy, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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A view of St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican as Pope Francis celebrates a Mass on the Sunday of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Pope Francis, second from right, arrives in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to celebrate a Mass on the Sunday of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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St. Peter’s Basilica is reflected on the glasses of a woman attending the Mass on the Sunday of Divine Mercy celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to celebrate a Mass on the Sunday of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Associated Press
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VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has urged the faithful to not give up on the sacrament of reconciliation, especially those who continue to backslide.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has urged the faithful to not give up on the sacrament of reconciliation, especially those who continue to backslide.
Francis focused on reconciliation, or confession, during his homily Sunday for an annual Mass in St. Peter’s Square dedicated to mercy, a signature theme of his papacy.
The pontiff urged the faithful to continue to seek reconciliation because “every time we are forgiven, we are reassured and encouraged.”
The divine mercy Sunday celebration was established by Pope John Paul II, and this year kicks off a four-day meeting of Francis’ Missionaries of Mercy, formed during the recent Holy Year of Mercy to promote confession.
On Tuesday, the missionaries are due to have an audience with Francis, followed by a special Mass with him at St. Peter’s Basilica.
