A Caress
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Papal Wisdom for Lent
Pope Francis spoke about a reflection on forgiveness during Lent 2014. His characterization of God’s forgiveness is powerful.
“God doesn’t forgive with a decree but with a caress”. He forgives by “caressing the wounds caused by our sins, because he is involved in forgiveness, is involved in our salvation”.
-Pope Francis
When we consider our need for forgiveness, let us also consider how God forgives - not with a decree but with a caress.
Full text of Pope Francis’s reflection on forgiveness can be found here.