Gian Guido Vecchi: Holy Father, during this trip you have spoken many times about mercy. In regard to access to the sacraments of divorced persons who have remarried, is there a possibility that something will change in the discipline of the Church? That these sacraments be an occasion to bring these people closer, rather than a barrier that separates them from the other faithful?
\nPope Francis: This is a subject that is always asked about.
\nMercy is greater than the case you pose.
\nI believe this is the time of mercy.
\nThis change of era, also so many problems of the Church \u201d\u201d such as the witness that\u2019s not good of some priests, also problems of corruption in the Church, also the problem of clericalism, to give an example \u201d\u201d have left so many wounds, so many wounds.
\nAnd the Church is Mother: she must go to heal the wounds with mercy.
\nBut if the Lord does not tire of forgiving, we have no other choice than this: first of all, to cure the wounds. The Church is Mother and must go on this path of mercy. And find mercy for all.
\nBut I think, when the Prodigal Son returned home, his father didn\u2019t say: \u201cBut you, listen sit down: what did you do with the money?\u201d\u009d No! He had a feast! Then, perhaps, when the son wished to speak, he spoke.
\nThe Church must do likewise.<\/p>\n