Forgiveness, Mercy & Reconciliation: Theological Insights from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the theological contributions of Pope Francis on the interconnections of forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation in our polarizing global context. Furthermore, this issue will explore the nascent pontificate of Pope Leo XIV to identify points of continuity and/or discontinuity with his predecessor on these topics. This issue will take up the question of whether it is morally commendable to forgive and seek reconciliation after wrongdoing. It will also explore the role of mercy and justice in the response to wrongdoing. The answer to this question might depend on who the involved parties are, the nature of their relationship, the magnitude of the harm inflicted, and whether there has been some form of redress to the wrongdoing. Special attention will be given to the ways in which Pope Francis has prioritized nonviolence in his theological response to wrongdoing.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) those outlined below:

Pope Francis’ teachings on forgiveness, mercy, and/or reconciliation.

• The parties involved in reconciliation are multitudinous. Contributions can explore reconciliation collectively between God and humanity, personally between God and the believer, interpersonally between individuals that may or may not be well-known to each other, socially between different groups within society, and politically between contentious political parties or adversarial regimes.
• Reconciliation can be understood as both a process and a goal. As a process, it is not a stand-alone concept. It is intimately connected to concerns for truth, justice, and forgiveness. As a goal, it is not merely conciliation, which occurs when former adversaries are willing to coexist without recourse to violence. The fullness of reconciliation is the reestablishment of right relationship with God, oneself, one’s neighbour, and all of created reality. Contributions can analyze reconciliation as either a process or an end goal.

Pope Francis’ teachings on nonviolent peacebuilding.

• Pope Francis has prioritized nonviolent responses to wrongdoing. How does his approach relate to the just war tradition? Contributions can focus on the role of nonviolence in response to wrongdoing as well as how legitimate claims to the use of force might criticize Francis’ position.

Points of continuity and/or discontinuity between Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV’s approach to mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation.

• On May 8, 2025, the first Augustinian and U.S. born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, addressed the faithful with these words, “Peace be with you all… It is the peace of the risen Christ. A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally… Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining as one people, always at peace.” Is Pope Leo continuing Francis’ ministry of reconciliation through dialogue and the promotion of peace?
• How does Leo XIV’s Augustinian background influence his understanding of forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation.

Dr. Joshua Snyder
Guest Editor

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• Pope Francis
• Pope Leo XIV
• forgiveness
• justice
• mercy
• reconciliation
• nonviolent
• peacebuilding
• polarization
• just war
• tradition and nonviolence