Pope Francis: All Christians are called to be missionaries

Thousands gathered in St Peter's Square yesterday for the first monthly Jubilee audience in this Year of Mercy. During his address Pope Francis spoke about the close relationship between mercy and mission. Recalling the words of Saint John Paul II, the Pope said that his predecessor "reminded us that the Church lives an authentic life when she professes and proclaims mercy, and leads people to the source of mercy."

Just as we naturally seek to share with others the beautiful moments of our lives, we are called also and especially to share the joy of encountering Jesus Christ, the Pope said.

To encounter Jesus was to experience his love, which transforms us and compels us, in turn, to share this love, he said.

The Holy Father stressed that every Christian was the "bearer of Christ" and said that the mercy we receive from the Father is not given solely for our benefit, but for the good of all, by transforming us into instruments, missionaries of mercy.

The mercy we receive from the Father, was given to us as a private consolation, but it also makes us tools so that others can receive the same gift.

"Let us never tire of feeling the need of His forgiveness", Pope Francis said, "because when we are weak, his proximity makes us strong and enables us to live with greater joy our faith."

At the end of his address the Pope spoke of his sadness at the death of a woman called Elvira who was on the domestic staff at Casa Santa Marta. He said the staff and residents there were a big family and asked pilgrims to pray for her.

Source: Vatican Radio