Cardinal Kasper: Year of Mercy 'corresponds to the signs of the times'
April 10, 2015
Cardinal Walter Kasper, whose book on God’s mercy drew special praise from Pope Francis, has said that the Jubilee Year of Mercy “corresponds to the signs of the times today.”
Speaking to Vatican Radio, in anticipation of the ceremony at which Pope Francis will officially promulgate the “bull of indiction” for the Holy Year, Cardinal Kasper said that a focus on God’s mercy would show “the real face of God,” correcting the common impression that Christians believe in a stern, vengeful God.
Moreover, the German cardinal continued, the Year of Mercy will be an opportunity for Christians to recognize their own need for God’s mercy and to show mercy toward others. He suggested “deeds of mercy, of love and caritas” during the year. Cardinal Kasper rejected criticism that his emphasis on God’s mercy has softened traditional Catholic teaching. In fact, he said, practicing mercy toward one’s foes is a demanding exercise, far removed from the “cheap Christianity” that some of his critics have perceived in his work.
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