The message of Pope Francis for the XXXI World Youth Day Krakow 2016 „Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5,7)

Abstract

The Holy Father Francis says that to be merciful is to live according to the Gospel and the will of God the Father, following the example of Jesus Christ, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as well as following  the example of the saints and the blessed, especially the example of Mary - Mother of Mercy. Showing mercy is a test of the authenticity of our attitude as disciples of Jesus and our credibility as Christians in today's world. The pope encourages young people to rediscover the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and suggests that, preparing for the World Youth Day, they choose one corporal and one spiritual work of mercy to practice each month. At the same time, the Holy Father Francis sees the need for a new quality of mercy which will manifest not only in the material and spiritual help, but in the ability to be a neighbor to the suffering human being and to sympathize with him. A gesture of help cannot be perceived as humiliating alms but as a fraternal communion of goods. We are not able to reach with our help to a large number of suffering people. However, the power of prayer can support them in every situation and place where they experience inhuman treatment.