Pope Francis washing feet on Holy Thursday

Today we mark the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as pope. Let us pray for Pope Francis and the Roman Catholic Church on this day, that we may become instruments of God’s mercy in the world, that we may follow Christ as people of non-violence and peace, and that we may be challenged by the Holy Spirit to witness hope in our ever changing and complicated world.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Click here for an article from Catholic Relief Services on his outreach to the poor

Click here for an article from Time magazine on his leadership style. 

Pope Francis will spent part of his second anniversary hearing confessions at Saint Peter’s. Here is part of what he said yesterday about confession:

Every penitent who approaches the confessional is sacred ground to be cultivated with care and attention

Vatican City, 12 March 2015 (VIS) – “The Sacraments, as we know, are God’s demonstration of closeness and tenderness towards humanity; they are the concrete way God created to move be closer to us, to embrace us, without shame for our limits”, said Pope Francis this morning as he received in audience in the Paul VI Hall the participants in the annual Course on the Inner Forum organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary. “Without doubt”, he continued, “among the Sacraments, it is that of Reconciliation that best shows the merciful face of God. We must never forget, either as penitents or as confessors: there is no sin that God cannot forgive! None! Only what is hidden from divine mercy cannot be forgiven, like those that hide themselves from the sun cannot be illuminated or warmed.