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THE THEOLOGY OF MERCY AT THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS’ VISION OF EVANGELIZATION

Ramil dR. Marcos (Philippines)

Doctorate in Sacred Theology, with field of specialization in Systematic Theology
Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Adviser)

Abstract:

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) ushered a renewed appreciation and a sense of urgency in the field of evangelization, the effective proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the transformation of hearts and the renewal of humanity. Vatican II’s rich heritage and influence continued in the magisterial pronouncements of the successive popes who each contributed to the theology and practice of evangelization. The teachings of Pope Paul VI on evangelization greatly influenced the thoughts of Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI in turn, shared the vision of his mentor and predecessor.

With the election of Pope Francis a new pastoral agenda emerged, one that bore the mark of his unique experience as a shepherd originating from outside Europe. He invited the Church to a new phase of evangelization marked with enthusiasm and joy. Pope Francis’ blueprint for evangelization, Evangelii Gaudium (EG) called primarily for a renewal of attitudes within the Church, an appreciation of the faith of the people, and a closeness to the world’s poor. In this document too, Pope Francis offered his original reflections and revealed the seeds of his theology.

At the heart of his vision of evangelization one can discover the presence of the theme closest to the heart of Pope Francis — mercy. Mercy, which in the Bible is God’s steadfast love, is the principal message of Jesus and the primary mission of Pope Francis.  Mercy permeates every page of the apostolic exhortation EG. Mercy governs his dream of a Church that embraces a “missionary option.” Mercy is the guiding principle by which every missionary disciple ought to discover and share the treasures of the Gospel.

Wishing to imbue the Church with the spirit of God’s mercy coming to humanity through an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, Pope Francis announced a Jubilee of Mercy (2015-2016). His messages in this year revealed his rich personal understanding of mercy and how this mercy can be operative in the life of the Church and of every Christian.

The vision of a merciful, evangelizing Church promises to be Pope Francis most important legacy as pope. From the heart of Jesus to the vision of Pope Francis, mercy reaches a Church that is called to be its vessel and touches a world that is in most in need of it.

Final Defense:

April 24, 2021 (Saturday)

Board of Examiners:

  1. Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Adviser)
  2. Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss. (Principal Examiner)
  3. Br. Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W., D.Phil.
  4. Carmen Lourdes Valdes, Ph.D

Proposal Defense:

30 October 2019 (Wednesday)

Board of Examiners:

  1. Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Adviser)
  2. Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss.
  3. Fr. Jose Mario Francisco, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.
  4. Msgr. Sabino Vengco, S.Th.D.
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