Here is a translation of the address Pope Francis gave today, before praying the Regina Caeli, after celebrating Mass privately in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia.
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Before the Regina Caeli
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On this Second Sunday of Easter, it was significant to celebrate the Eucharist here, in the church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, which Saint John Paul II wanted as Shrine of Divine Mercy. Christians’ response in the storms of life and of history cannot but be mercy: compassionate love among us and to all, especially to those that are suffering, that have more trouble, that are abandoned . . . Not pietism, not welfarism, but compassion, which comes from the heart. And Divine Mercy comes from the Heart of the Risen Christ. It flows from the ever-open wound of His side, open for us, who are always in need of forgiveness and comfort. Christian mercy also inspires a just sharing among nations and their institutions, to address the present crisis in a solidary manner.
I offer greetings to the brothers and sisters of the Oriental Churches who celebrate the Feast of Easter today. Together we proclaim: “The Lord has risen indeed! (Luke 24:34).” Especially in this time of trial, we feel what a great gift hope is, which is born from being resurrected with Christ! In particular, I rejoice with the Oriental Catholic community that, for ecumenical reasons, celebrates Easter together with the Orthodox: may this fraternity be of comfort there, where Christians are a small minority.
With Easter joy, we now turn to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy.
© Libreria Editrice Vatican
[Original text: Italian] [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
