Pope Francis encourages Missionaries of Mercy in their Jubilee Mission

Pope Francis has expressed his prayerful support and encouragement to the Missionaries of Mercy as they gather in Rome for their 2025 Jubilee, reaffirming their vital role in bringing God’s forgiveness to a broken world. 

The pope expressed his gratitude for their dedication as counselors in a message on March 29, highlighting the transformative power of conversion and reconciliation. 

The 2016 Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy gave permission to priests to forgive sins and their pastoral responsibility. The Holy See usually has the prerogative to forgive certain sins.

As they return to Rome for the Jubilee, the Holy Father highlighted their role in offering hope to those burdened by sin through the gift of God’s mercy. 

“Through your service,” Francis said, “you bear witness to the paternal face of God, infinitely great in love, who calls everyone to conversion and constantly renews us with His forgiveness.” 

The pope reflected on how Jesus opens the path to reconciliation, calling conversion and forgiveness “the two caresses with which the Lord wipes every tear from our eyes.

He likened them to the hands of the Church that embrace sinners and the feet that guide them on their journey of faith. 

Encouraging the Missionaries of Mercy to be “attentive in listening, ready in welcoming, and steadfast in accompanying those who desire to renew their lives and return to the Lord,” Pope Francis underscored the power of God’s mercy to transform hearts in all circumstances.

He concluded by imparting his blessing, entrusting them to the care of Mary Immaculate, Mother of Mercy, and making a humble request: “Please, do not forget to pray for me.”