Review article
https://doi.org/10.31337/oz.77.2.6
Mercy Theology in the Encyclicals Redemptor Hominis and Dives in Misericordia by John Paul II
Stjepanka Stanić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4079-3274
; Institute of Philosophy and Theology of the Society of Jesus, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Hopefully we agree that Pope John Paul II is the person of the century and, as we mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, we should be thinking more about the grand legacy he left behind. It is also important, at this very moment in time, to take note of the messages he conveyed both in his written works and also throughout his whole ethos. In order to do so, one must examine his entire written heritage, which is superb, and which, indeed, belongs to the treasures of the Church and represents the continuity of the Magisterium teachings. When speaking of the mercy theology of John Paul II, the encyclical letter Dives in Misericordia must be highlighted, for in it all the beauty of the theological and anthropological meaning of the mercy ethos is depicted. In order to better understand and get a complete insight into his thought, two other encyclicals Redemptor Hominis and Dominum et Vivificantem are equally important to consider. These encyclicals comprise a triptych of a Trinitarian character and may also be called the Mercy Encyclicals. In fact, I wish to point out the contemporary legacy of mercy — up to the present day — which Pope John Paul II has left us. Furthermore, during the COVID–19 pandemic and the exodus of so many migrants, and considering the diverse turmoils on the social, political and economic scenes of the world — with a special emphasis on Europe his message and the mercy ethos seem to be the only path to prosperity and peace among nations.
Keywords
ethos; mercy ethos; Redemptor Hominis; Dives in Misericordia; Gaudium et Spes; ideology; totalitarianism
Hrčak ID:
274689
URI
Publication date:
7.4.2022.
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