Pope reflects on mercy and power

February 24, 2016

Continuing his Wednesday general audiences on the theme of mercy, Pope Francis devoted his February 24 audience, the eighth in the series, to mercy and power.

“The Scriptures show that [wealth and power] serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy,” Pope Francis told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“Used selfishly and arrogantly, they become a source of corruption and death, as we see in the story of Naboth, unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property,” he continued. “Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another.”

Pope Francis added:

Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice. Jesus is the true King, whose saving power is shown in the cross. During this Holy Year let us ask him to draw near to sinners, to show us his mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of his grace and forgiveness.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis General Audience 2016.02.24 (YouTube Vatican)
• L’Udienza Generale, 24.02.2016 (Holy See Press Office)