By Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Vatican City, Apr 27, 2025 / 07:00 am
Editor’s Note: On April 27, 2025, Cardinal Pietro Parolin served as principal celebrant for the second Novendiales Mass following Pope Francis’ funeral. The following homily was delivered on Divine Mercy Sunday in St. Peter’s Square during the Jubilee of Teenagers, as published by the Holy See Press Office.
Dear brothers and sisters,
The risen Jesus appears to his disciples while they are in the Upper Room where they have fearfully shut themselves in, with the doors locked (Jn 20:19). Their state of mind is disturbed and their hearts are full of sadness, because the Master and Shepherd they had followed, leaving everything behind, has been nailed to the cross. They experienced terrible things and feel orphaned, alone, lost, threatened and helpless.
The opening image that the Gospel offers us on this Sunday can also well represent the state of mind of all of us, of the Church, and of the entire world. The shepherd whom the Lord gave to his people, Pope Francis, has ended his earthly life and has left us. The grief at his departure, the sense of sadness that assails us, the turmoil we feel in our hearts, the sense of bewilderment: we are experiencing all of this, like the apostles grieving over the death of Jesus.
Yet, the Gospel tells us that it is precisely in these moments of darkness that the Lord comes to us with the light of the resurrection, to illuminate our hearts. Pope Francis reminded us of this since his election and often repeated it to us, placing at the centre of his pontificate that joy of the Gospel which, as he wrote in Evangelii Gaudium, “fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew” (n. 1).
The joy of Easter, which sustains us in this time of trial and sadness, is something that can almost be touched in this square today; you can see it etched above all in your faces, dear children and young people who have come from all over the world to celebrate the Jubilee.
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From the bustling streets of Italy to the vibrant cities of Latin America, from the deserts of Africa to the bustling markets of Asia, we welcome you all to our global community. With each one of you here, the world truly comes together in unity!
As you navigate through the challenges of life – whether it be the advancements of technology or the complexities of artificial intelligence – always remember to hold onto the true hope that is found in Jesus Christ. With Him by your side, no obstacle will be too great to overcome. His love and guidance will be your strength in times of need, and His presence will never leave you, even in the darkest of moments.
Today, on this special day of Divine Mercy, we celebrate the boundless love and compassion of God, a theme that Pope Francis has emphasized throughout his pontificate. His message of mercy reminds us that we are all beloved children of God, deserving of love and forgiveness, regardless of our shortcomings.
Let us not just admire Pope Francis’s legacy but let us embody it in our daily lives. Let us show mercy and compassion to one another, just as God has shown to us. By embracing the principle of mercy, we are brought back to the core of our faith, reminding us that our relationships should be guided by love and forgiveness, rather than selfishness and judgment.
So as you journey through life, remember to show mercy, to love unconditionally, and to forgive without limits. Let us walk together in faith, embracing the beauty of God’s mercy in our lives and sharing that same mercy with others we encounter along the way.
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