Vatican City, May 15, 2016 / 16:59 pm
On Pentecost, Pope Francis praised missionary work as a massive work of mercy based on the desire for everyone to be saved and loved.
The mission to the nations is "a great, immense work of mercy, both spiritual and material," he said.
The Church's missionary mandate means that the Church "cares for those who do not know the Gospel, because she wants everyone to be saved and to experience the Lord's love." Pope Francis said the Church must "announce the mercy of God, the beating heart of the Gospel" and proclaim mercy in every part of the world to reach every person, young and old.
"Faith is God's gift and not the result of proselytizing. Rather, it grows thanks to the faith and charity of evangelizers who witness to Christ," he explained. "As they travel through the streets of the world, the disciples of Jesus need to have a love without limits, the same measure of love that our Lord has for all people. We proclaim the most beautiful and greatest gifts that he has given us: his life and his love."