The author treats his reading of «Rich in Mercy» in two moments: the ecumenical methodology of the encyclical and the message. In the first part it is shown that Pope John Paul approaches his subject matter with the method of a good exegete, exploring all levels of the biblical reality especially trying to view the question of mercy with Jewish eyes, i.e., through the eyes of a Jewish Jesus. In addition to this biblical methodology, the Pope uses an existential interpretation based on his hermeneutic of the dignity of the human person hich has been used in many of his other writings. Finally, John Paul moves to the pastoral implications. Ecumenically speaking these applications coincide with the scope of the ecumenical movement which is the preaching of the Gospel through a united witness, in solidarity with all Christians. In the second part, Jesus is presented as the bridge between man and God and therefore the fundamental point of encounter. The ecumenical importance of this notion is to be seen in the dynamic of convergence in and through Christ. Seeing the personal and collective history of each Christian interwined in the life and history of Jesus who gives life and meaning to all history. Finally, the merciful love of God is seen most paschal in the atonement of Jesus on the cross and in the paschal mystery which gives hope and life to the ecumenical movement within the churches. It is this message wich is entrusted to the churches as witnesses of the message of reconciliation and as proclaimers of the Gospel of conversion and of God’s merciful love (pp. 341-353).

This research, taking as its point of departure what the BEM document offers us on the sacramental sign, tends to isolate the causes for devaluation of the sacramental sign in relation to the Church. A greater appreciation of the sacraments by the Churches pertains to the advancement of ecclesial unity (pp. 311-326).