World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 44

“The New Testament speaks to us of divine



A special jubilee celebration is important to

mercy (eleos) as a synthesis of the work that

remember the central teachings of the

Jesus came to accomplish in the world in the

Church and the core of the Gospel through

name of the Father (cf. Mt 9:13). Our Lord’s

a particular lens (in this case, through

mercy can be seen especially when he bends

mercy). Pope Francis told young people in

down to human misery and shows his

his message for World Youth Day 2016:

compassion for those in need of understanding,

“When the Church proclaims a jubilee in

healing and forgiveness. Everything in Jesus

the name of Christ, we are all invited to

speaks of mercy. Indeed, he himself is mercy.”

experience a wonderful time of grace.”

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Thirty-



The papal bull, Misericoridae Vultus, was

First World Youth Day 2016 (August 15, 2015)

written by Pope Francis as a guiding

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/y

document for the Jubilee of Mercy.

outh/documents/papa-francesco_20150815_messaggio-

The document can be found online at

giovani_2016.html

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en
/bulls/documents/papa-

Pope Francis, like Pope Benedict XVI before

francesco_bolla_20150411_misericordiae-

him (in his book, Jesus of Nazareth), calls the

vultus.html.

prodigal son story the parable of “merciful


Father” in that the Father runs to welcome his

Pope Francis calls young people to reflect

lost son home, just as God waits on us and

on this devotion as they journey into

opens his arms when we return and lovingly

and through Poland, the “Campus

welcomes us home.

Misericordiae,” or “Land of Divine Mercy.”


physically visit the Sanctuary of Divine

Pope Francis models mercy by his actions:


The pilgrimage to Kraków is a chance to

Washing of the feet of men and women

Mercy, celebrating the revelation to St.

in prison

Faustina Kowalska that God wants to



Baptizing unwed mother’s child



Frequently welcoming and blessing

extend mercy and compassion to the world.
St. John Paul II, himself a native of Poland,
handed on this particular understanding of

individuals with disabilities,

mercy to the world during his papacy.

disfigurement, and marginalized people.



Pope Frances challenges young people to
engage in corporal and spiritual works of

Pope Francis has called for a Jubilee of Mercy

mercy in anticipation of World Youth Day

and a World Youth Day dedicated to mercy;

in his Message for the Thirty-First WYD in

some points to consider:
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