[1] It is a modern examination of the role of mercy—both God's mercy, and also the need for human mercy—introducing the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son as a central theme.

John Paul II had a strong love for the Divine Mercy devotion, inspired by his fellow Pole, Faustina Kowalska (b.

"[7] Tying this with Jesus' claim that "He who has seen me has seen the Father," John Paul points out that this reveals a similar merciful love for all in the world, especially those who suffer.

"[8] He writes that Scripture shows that "Mercy differs from justice, but is not in opposition to it, if we admit in the history of man [...] the presence of God, who already as Creator has linked Himself to His creature with a particular love."

[9]John Paul enlarges on the reaction of the son's father, who welcomes him with unbounded merciful love, rather than a mere insistence on justice.

"[10] The pope makes the point that this parable illustrates that mercy is best judged not from the mere externals, but from a deeper examination of what it does to the interior of man.

John Paul then turns to the central message of Christianity: Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and examines them for their implications on God's mercy.