The Works of Mercy

INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER 2018 ILLUMINATION AWARD GOLD MEDAL WINNER (CATHOLIC)

A signature of the pontificate of Pope Francis, the theme of mercy is rooted in the message of Jesus, who tied our salvation to the treatment of the least of our brothers and sisters: "I was hungry and you fed me... Imprisoned and you visited me...." In reflections drawn from his writings and preaching, Pope Francis treats in turn each of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Each topic opens a window on a larger theme. For example, under "Welcoming the stranger," Pope Francis reflects on the plight of refugees and immigrants. His reflections on "Visiting the prisoner" are set in the context of his own pastoral visits to prisons, where he asks the question: "Who is this man standing before you? The man standing before you is a man who has experienced forgiveness."