On the same day Holy Doors were opened throughout cathedrals and churches around the world to mark the start of the Year of Mercy.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the basilica in Rome and during his homily he discussed the "simple sign" of opening the Holy Doors.

"It begins a time of the great forgiveness. It is the Jubilee of Mercy. It is time to rediscover the presence of God and his fatherly tenderness," he said.

"God does not love rigidity. He is Father; He is tender; everything done with the tenderness of the Father."

The Pope also warned against being "taken in by weariness" and "sadness in any form" despite "many concerns and the many forms of violence which hurt our humanity".

"In a historical context of great abuse and violence, especially by men of power, God knows that he will reign over his people, who would never leave them at the mercy of the arrogance of their leaders, and will free them from all anxiety," he said.

The Pope noted that "we are asked to be instruments of mercy, knowing that we will be judged on this".

"He who is baptised knows he has a greater commitment. Faith in Christ leads to a journey that lasts for a lifetime: to be merciful, like the Father.

"The joy of crossing through the door of mercy is accompanied by a commitment to welcome and witness to a love that goes beyond justice, a love that knows no boundaries.

"It is from this infinite love that we are responsible, in spite of our contradictions."

Sources

• Catholic Herald
• Catholic World News
• The Telegraph
• Image: Vatican Radio

The Pope made this plea at the ordination of a Rome pastor as an auxiliary bishop.

Ordaining Bishop Angelo De Donatis in Rome on Tuesday, Pope Francis reminded the new bishop of something he had told him earlier.

"Let your words be simple so that everyone can understand. Don't give long homilies," the Pope said.

"Allow me to ask you to remember your dad and how very happy he was to have found another parish in a town nearby where the Mass was celebrated without a homily!"

"Homilies should be the transmission of God's grace. Simple, so that everyone can understand them and everyone will want to become a better person," Pope Francis told the new bishop.

The ordination took place at the Basilica of St John Lateran, on the feast of dedication of the basilica.

After anointing the new bishop with oil and giving him the Book of the Gospels, the pope was about to present him with his episcopal ring, a "sign of fidelity," but first Pope Francis told him, "Do not forget: Before this ring, there were the wedding bands of your parents. Defend the family!"

In his homily, the Pope asked the new bishop to be patient with priests, seminarians, the poor and laypeople who come to him looking for assistance and counsel.

"Many times you will need a lot of patience," the Pope said, "but the kingdom of God is built that way."

"And close to the beginning of the Year of Mercy, I ask you as a brother to be merciful," the Pope said.

"The Church and the world need so much mercy. Teach priests and seminarians the path of mercy with words, yes, but especially with your behaviour."

In his mercy, God always makes room for everyone in his heart, Pope Francis said, so priests and bishops should "never chase anyone away".

Sources

• Catholic Herald
• Image: Breitbart