“The Name of God is Mercy” by Pope Francis, published 22 January 2016 Presentation on “The Name of God is Mercy” by Pope Francis, published 22 January 2016

1. A TIME FOR MERCY Mercy as central theme has evolved for Francis over the years; personal experiences This is a Kairos, a special time of opportunity for mercy Mercy important to Popes Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI Round table discussion in Argentina with theologians suggested Year of mercy

2. THE GIFT OF CONFESSION Need to talk to another about our sinfulness Forgiveness has a social implication Confessional should not be a “dry cleaner” because sin is more than a stain, it is a wound; it needs to be treated Confessional should not be a “torture chamber;” no excessive curiosity

3. LOOKING FOR EVEN THE SMALLEST OPENING Recognising oneself as a sinner is a grace Story from novel “To Every Man a Penny” about confession of young German soldier “Are you sorry that you are not sorry?” Importance of gesture in coming to confession

4. A SINNER, LIKE SIMON PETER “The pope is a man who needs the mercy of God” “I have a special relationship with people in prisons, deprived of their freedom” Feel like a sinner to be amazed by God, to be filled with his gift of infinite mercy We cannot be arrogant; especially confessors need to think of their own sins

5. TOO MUCH MERCY? Condemn sin and embrace the sinner No sin compares to God’s love Image of Church as “field hospital”: need to go out from the churches, to look for people where they live A “place for urgent care, not a place to see a specialist” Need for “a Church that goes forth toward those who are “wounded””

6. SHEPHERDS, NOT SCHOLARS OF THE LAW Welcome people and don’t “wound their dignity” Jesus did not remain indifferent, he felt compassion Hypocrisy, a formal adherence to the law but neglecting love; people who close doors Examples of mercy shown by prisoner’s wives and mothers

7. SINNERS YES, CORRUPT NO “capacity for forgiveness underlies all plans for a more just and supportive future society” “When there is mercy, justice is more just” Corruption is a sin elevated to a system, which become a way of living “Corruption is not an act but a condition”

8. MERCY AND COMPASSION Compassion is the human face of divine mercy God loves us with compassion and mercy Need to embrace “the outcast, the marginalised, and the sinner” All are called to the banquet of the Lord

9. LIVING THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY “Open up to the mercy of God” Approach “the confessional with faith” Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and seven Spiritual Works of Mercy The “apostolate of the ear”

CONCLUSION Mercy will always be greater than any sin Accept the mercy of God Be merciful with others “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone”