3 Gifts of Pope Francis' Pontificate

As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis and pray for his soul, Dr. Sri reflects on the impact of his pontificate. He shares three gifts of his pontificate that we can all appreciate and learn from: understanding the depth of human sin and wounds, leading with mercy, and the importance of missionary discipleship. 

Snippet from the Show

"Pope Francis understood sin as a deep wound, not merely a stain or mistake."

Shownotes

3 Gifts of Pope Francis' Pontificate 

The Depth of Our Wounds

"Sin is more than a stain. Sin is a wound. It needs to be treated. It needs to be healed." ( Pope Francis)

Pope Francis understood sin as a deep wound, not merely a stain or mistake. He saw sin as something that has lasting hurts that need to be healed by God’s grace through the Church, the sacraments, and prayer.

Leading with Mercy

 "Relativism, wounds, people." (Pope Francis)

 "When we go out to them, we have to lead with mercy. We have to lead with the heart of the gospel, which is all about God's loving mercy and healing power." (Pope Francis)

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of leading with mercy. He saw the Church as a field hospital that should meets people’s most urgent needs and wounds with the gospel of love and mercy. He also pointed out how relativism wounds people, making it harder for them to realize they are sinning. 

Missionary Discipleship:

Pope Francis emphasized the idea that all Catholics are called to be missionaries. However, to share the faith with others, our missionary work must come from our own discipleship. If someone has truly experienced Jesus's mercy and healing, they will want to share Him with others.

Dr. Sri's Events List (2025)

• May 16-17: Ave Maria Retreat - Ave Maria, FL
• June 8 - Rockville NY
• June 22-30: Rome Pilgrimage - Italy
• Aug 2-5: Grand Getaway - Mackinac Island, MI
• Sept 13 - Marriage Weekend - Fort Collins, CO
• Sept 20 - Eucharist Encounter - Tampa FL
• Aug 9: Emmaus: Diocesan Family Conference - Gary, IN
• Oct 8: Legatus - Jacksonville, FL
• Oct 11 - Love and Responsibility Conference - Los Angeles CA
• Oct 13-15 - Madison WI
• Oct 22-24 - Missionaries of Charity - Memphis TN

Resources

• To learn more about Dr. Sri's Holy Land pilgrimages email holyland.edwardsri@gmail.com 
• Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
• Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at www.ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic 
• Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to www.ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings