Pope to Catholics: Seek new ways to spread God’s mercy

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the papal legate to the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, presides over Mass at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on Tuesday, the second day of the WACOM.

MANILA– Pope Francis called on Catholics to carry on and seek “new ways” in spreading the message of God’s mercy.

In a message relayed to French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the papal legate to the ongoing World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM), he urged the faithful to practice the works of mercy with new ways.

“He wants you to know that he is utmost happy with our fourth World Congress on Divine Mercy,” Cardinal Barbarin said during Mass at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on Tuesday.

“He also wants you to look for appropriate answers to the social problems of our time,” he said.

The Pope practically conveyed the same message that he made in his apostolic letter titled “Misericordia et misera” issued at the end of the Holy Year of Mercy in November last year.

Though the Jubilee has closed, he said that the mission for corporal and spiritual works of mercy must continue.

“This is the time of mercy,” the Pope said. “It is the time of mercy because no sinner can ever tire of asking forgiveness, and all can feel the welcoming embrace of the Father.”

Cardinal Barbarin is also set to deliver the pontiff’s official message to the delegates of the WACOM which will be held in Balanga, Bataan on Friday, the last day of the international church gathering.

Around 5,000 local and foreign participants from at least 40 countries have gathered for the five-day event which started yesterday. CBCPNews