Advertisement Messenger PublicationsMessenger Publications Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Pope Francis: Open your hearts to forgiveness


Pope Francis has urged all Christians to open their hearts to forgiveness. Speaking to the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope said that to be able to build peace one must be able to forgive.

“Forgiveness does not deny the injustice one has been subjected to, but it acknowledges the fact that the human being, created in the image of God, is always superior to the wrong that is committed” he said.

The Pope was reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day which narrates the “Parable of the unforgiving servant.” Commenting on Jesus’ invitation to forgive “not seven times, but seventy-seven times,” Francis said this means that Christians are called always to show forgiveness.

He said: “From the day of our Baptism, God has forgiven us, remitting a terrible debt - the original sin. And then, with infinite mercy, he forgives all of our sins as soon as we show the smallest sign of repentance.”

Anyone who has experienced the joy of peace and interior freedom that comes from having been forgiven, can open himself to the possibility of forgiving. Pope Francis pointed out that this teaching is also contained in The Lord’s Prayer which says: ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’

"God’s forgiveness, is a sign of His overflowing love for each of us - that love that gives us the freedom to stray, like the prodigal son, but that every day awaits our return with open arms; it is the love of the shepherd who goes in search of the lost sheep; it is the tenderness with which each sinner is welcomed when he knocks at His door."

“The Lord is full of love and He wants to offer it to us, but he cannot do so if we close our hearts to loving others” he said.

Following the Angelus prayer Pope Francis had special greetings for participants of the “Run for Peace” - a race with an itinerary that touched many places of worship of the different faiths in Rome.

The Pope said he hoped the initiative of culture and sport would eoncourage interfaith dialogue and peace.

Adverts

Catholic Women's League

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon