Trust in God's mercy should be central to all Christians, pope says

Published: 2006-04-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Trust in God's divine mercy was central to the teaching of Pope John Paul II and should be central to the faith and prayer of every Christian, Pope Benedict XVI said. Marking Divine Mercy Sunday April 23, Pope Benedict also prayed that God's blessings of reconciliation and peace would be given to all people. Reciting the "Regina Coeli" prayer at midday, he wished a happy Easter to Orthodox and Eastern-rite Catholics celebrating Jesus' resurrection according to the Julian calendar. "May the risen Lord give the gifts of his light and his peace to all," the pope prayed. He also offered special prayers for the people of Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and Bulgaria suffering from the effects of flooding over the past week.

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