Church must be ‘oasis of mercy,’ not severe fortress—Pope

Vatican prelates read excerpts from a papal bull, or decree, in which Pope Francis proclaimed an “Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy” Holy Year, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Saturday, April 11, 2015. Pope Francis has proclaimed a special year of efforts by the Catholic Church to be more merciful and less judgmental. The year begins on Dec. 8 with Francis’ opening the normally closed Holy Door in the back of the basilica, and ends on Nov. 20, 2016. AP

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has proclaimed a special year of efforts by the Catholic Church to be more merciful and less judgmental.

At St. Peter’s Basilica Saturday evening, he listened as a Vatican prelate read excerpts from a papal bull, or decree, in which Francis proclaimed an “Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy” Holy Year. The year begins on Dec. 8 with Francis’ opening the normally closed Holy Door in the back of the basilica, and ends on Nov. 20, 2016.

Francis says the church must talk about God “in a more accessible way” and avoid “fortress” mentalities because its credibility depends on more mercy and less severity.

He announced that in cathedrals worldwide, a special “door of mercy” will stay open during Holy Year so churches become an “oasis of mercy.”