At the general audience, Pope Francis explained that God is infinite mercy and perfect justice, two realities that would seem in opposition. He said that God's mercy is what makes true justice happen.
He then reflected on the differences between human and divine justice.
POPE FRANCIS
'The mercy of God is what ensures that true justice is fulfilled. Human justice only limits evil and does not overcome it â?? evil does not disappear. Divine justice, however, conquers evil counterposing it with good.â?
The Pope said that God continually offers his forgiveness and helps people to accept it because he desires our eternal happiness.
POPE FRANCIS
'God does not want the condemnation of anyone, nobody. Some of you might ask me: But, father, didn't Pilate deserve to be condemned? No, God wanted to save Pilate, and even Judas. Everybody! The God of Mercy wants to save all, the challenge is that we let God enter into our hearts.â?
For the second week in a row, the Pope appreciated the performance of a group of circus performers. This time it was the American Circus which offered a colorful display in St. Peterâ??s Square.
'This one here was good, huh?'
The skill of these artists inspired the Pope to reflect on the importance of striving for the best in life.
POPE FRANCIS
'The lure of having an easy life or being successful without making any effort is a temptation. But you, with what you have done here now with all your training that went into it, you show us that a life without constant effort is a mediocre life. '
At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis recalled an Armenian martyr, Saint Blaise of Sebaste, slain in the Christian persecution of the early 4th century. The Pope asked Christians to remember this martyr and not be afraid to talk about God in difficult circumstances.
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