Saturday morning, Pope Francis held one of his “Jubilee Audiences” — a general audience that during this Year of Mercy generally is held one Saturday a month.
Here is the English-language summary of his address:
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Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our catechesis for this Holy Year of Mercy, we reflect today on the word “redemption”: God has redeemed all humanity, liberating us by the precious blood of his Son Jesus (1 Pet 1:18-21). How many ways we can be enslaved by false freedom; how much we need God to truly free us. We are called to a new life, raised to the dignity of children of God. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, was sacrificed for us, that we might receive forgiveness, love and joy. And so when we suffer and are put to the test, we are called to look intently upon the crucified Jesus: it is he who suffers for us and in us, reveals God’s boundless love for us and never abandons us. The Lord knows well our weaknesses and our sins: yet where our needs abound, his mercy abounds all the more and fills our hearts.
Speaker:
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from Botswana, South Africa, the Philippines and the United States of America. During your visit to the Eternal City, may your faith in the crucified and risen Christ be renewed and strengthened. May God fill you with his reconciling and tender mercy. God bless you all!
[Original text: English]
[Vatican-provided text]
