Topic summary
Dives in misericordia
Early life and church career
Papacy
Teachings and writings
Church governance
Political views and activity
Ecumenism and interfaith relations
Assassination attempts and health
Death, canonization, and legacy
Dives in misericordia (Latin: Rich in Mercy) is the name of the second encyclical written by Pope John Paul II. 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. The original text was written in longhand in Polish. The encyclical was promulgated on 30 November 1980.