As announced, Pope Francis began the Extraordinary Year of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Extraordinary graces and indulgences were available through this year which would close on the Feast of Christ the King, November 20, 2016. This was only the fourth Extraordinary Jubilee Year in the history of the Church. Pope Francis believed Pope John Paul II was truly inspired in regards to opening the Church to receive the revelation of Mercy which came through the private revelations of St. Faustina. Medjugorje was also a great influence on John Paul II who recognized God’s great Mercy in the visitation of the Mother of God, the Mother of Mercy.
