Pope speaks on importance of forgiveness within families

November 04, 2015

Continuing his weekly catechesis on the family, Pope Francis devoted his November 4 general audience to the importance of forgiveness within families.

“Following the recent Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which reflected on the vocation and mission of the family, today we reflect on the importance of the family as the place where we learn the value of forgiveness,” the Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“Each day, in the words of the Our Father, we ask God to forgive us and to grant us the grace to forgive others,” he continued. “As difficult as forgiveness may be, it is essential for our personal growth, our capacity to acknowledge our failures and to mend broken relationships. It is a virtue we learn first in the family.”

He added:

Forgiveness strengthens families in love and, through them, makes society as a whole more loving and humane. It is a solid rock on which to build our lives and an eloquent sign of our Christian discipleship and obedience to the Father’s will. May the coming Jubilee of Mercy encourage families everywhere to rediscover the power of forgiveness, and enable the great family of the Church to proclaim the power of God’s reconciling love at work in our world.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis General Audience 2015.11.04 (Vatican YouTube)
• L’Udienza Generale (Holy See Press Office)