Feet bare to touch the harsh realities: Pope's message to new Cardinals on compassion and mercy

Pope Francis addressed a profound and heartfelt message to the newly elevated Cardinals, emphasizing their call to embody compassion and mercy in a world ravaged by suffering and injustice.

In his letter, released on October 12, the Holy Father urged the Cardinals to recognize the stark realities of war, discrimination, persecution, hunger, and various forms of poverty, highlighting the need for great compassion in their service.

The Pope drew on the imagery of "eyes raised, hands joined, and feet bare," a phrase borrowed from the Argentinian poet Francisco Luis Bernárdez to describe the spiritual posture required of those serving the Church. Each of these attitudes carries deep meaning for the new Cardinals.

Pope Francis stressed that feet bare signify a direct connection with the painful realities many worldwide face. "Feet bare," he explained, symbolizes walking humbly and vulnerably alongside those suffering from war, discrimination, hunger, and persecution. 

This connection to human suffering, the Pope said, requires "great compassion and mercy," calling the Cardinals to respond to these challenges with both action and prayer.

In addition, he spoke with eyes raised, urging the new Cardinals to broaden their vision and open their hearts in service to others, mirroring the gaze of Christ. 

He emphasized hands joined, underscoring the vital role of prayer in discerning God's will and shepherding the faithful.

Concluding his message, the pope prayed for the new Cardinals and reminded them that their title of "servant" should always eclipse that of "eminence."

The Pope’s call was clear: their mission is one of humility, service, and unwavering compassion for the world's most vulnerable.