Misericordiae Vultus

“In this Jubilee Year, may the Church echo the word of God that resounds strong and clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, aid, and love. May she never tire of extending mercy, and be ever patient in offering compassion and comfort.”

Pope Francis

Key Ideas from Misericordiae Vultus

  • A year steeped in mercy. “How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God!” (5)
  • Motto of the holy year: “Merciful like the Father.” (Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful”.) (13)
  • Door of Mercy – “In every local Church, at the cathedral – the mother church of the faithful in any particular area – a Door of Mercy will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year.” (3)
  • The beatitude to which we should particularly aspire this Holy Year: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (9)
  • Pilgrimage – represents the journey each of us makes in this life.
  • Emphasis on Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” We need to open our eyes and see the misery of the world; reawaken our conscience. (15)
  • Particular emphasis during season of Lent. “The season of Lent during this Jubilee Year should also be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience God’s mercy.” (17)
    • Meditate on Sacred Scripture during the season of Lent to help us rediscover the merciful face of the father. (Micah, Isaiah) (17)
    • Confessors must be authentic signs of the Father’s mercy.
    • Bishops are asked to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their people so that the time of grace offered by the Jubilee Year will make it possible for many of God’s sons and daughters to take up once again the journey to the Father’s house. (18)
  • Mary, the Mother of Mercy. Year of Mercy entrusted to Mary’s care.
  • “Let us allow God to surprise us.” (25)

 

The complete Misericordiae Vultus document is available on the Vatican website.