After leaving the Popemobile before the general audience, this child delivered a letter to Pope Francis and joked with him. He was one of the thousands of pilgrims who attended the audience on a sunny Roman morning, including a group dressed in medieval costumes.
In his catechesis, the Pope explained mercy from the parable of the Good Shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to go look for one that was lost.
POPE FRANCIS
'Not even the 99 sheep can keep the pastor locked within the fold. He could explain: 'Let's think for a moment...I have 99 sheep, I lost one ... It's not a big deal.' No, he's going to find that sheep, because to Him each is very important. That sheep is the most in need, the most abandoned, the most rejected. He is going to look for them.'
The Pope asked Catholics not to close in groups of supposedly righteous people, as this happens in parishes, groups and communities. He asks people to imitate the style of God, which is to help sinners receive mercy.
POPE FRANCIS
'God does not consider anyone permanently lost. Never. Until the last moment, He seeks us. '
'We are all sheep, recovered and collected by the mercy of God, called to gather together with him and the whole flock.'
This Wednesday, the spring air and good weather have definitely returned to Rome. Perhaps that's why St. Peter's Square was much more crowded than usual.
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