Pope Francis closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the conclusion of the Year of Mercy at the Vatican Nov. 20.

Pilgrims participate in a procession and visit to Brooklyn churches including two – St. James Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral – with specially designated Holy Doors. Photo © Marie Elena Giossi

A parish representative welcomes a visitor as he passes though the Holy Door at Regina Pacis Basilica, Bensonhurst. Photo © Ed Wilkinson

Pope Francis and other clergymen hear confessions from young people April 23 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Youth from around the world flocked to Rome for a special Year of Mercy event for teens ages 13-16.

While the Year of Mercy and its series of papal reflections may be over, the Holy Father has asked that compassion and acts of mercy continue and become a part of everyone’s daily lives. “Let us commit ourselves to praying for each other so that the corporal and spiritual works of mercy increasingly become our way of life,” he said Nov. 30 during his general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.