Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, September 13, emphasizing that reconciliation is essential for social harmony. During his weekly Angelus address, the pontiff argued that without the capacity to forgive, communities cannot sustain peace.

Biblical Roots of Mercy

The Holy Father drew upon the Gospel of Matthew to illustrate the boundless nature of Christian mercy. He recalled the dialogue between Peter and Jesus regarding the limits of forgiveness. When Peter asked if forgiving seven times was sufficient, Christ responded with a radical expansion of that limit.

“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven,” the Pope quoted from the scripture. Leo XIV explained that in biblical tradition, the number seven represents fullness, suggesting that forgiveness must be total and without reserve.

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

To underscore the gravity of withholding mercy, the pontiff referenced the parable of the servant who was forgiven a massive debt but refused to extend similar grace to a fellow worker. The Pope noted that this story serves as a warning against allowing hatred and division to take root in human relationships.

Leo XIV also reflected on the personal history of Saint Peter, who denied Christ during the Passion but was later restored by the risen Lord. This restoration, the Pope suggested, models how divine mercy can heal even the deepest breaches of trust.

“Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace,” Leo XIV stated. The message aligns with earlier teachings from his pontificate regarding the necessity of forgiveness for community life as previously noted. By invoking the Virgin Mary as Mother of Mercy, the Pope concluded the address by inviting the faithful to emulate her compassion in their daily interactions.