The traditional Catholic Works of Mercy are divided into two categoeis -- seven Corporal Works of Mercy, which address the physical needs of others, and seven Spiritual Works of Mercy, which address the spiritual needs of others.
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others as if they were Christ in disguise (cf. Matthew 25). They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs". They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447-49.
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit prisoners
Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs". Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447-49.
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Admonish sinners
Forgive offences willingly
Comfort the afflicted
Bear wrongs patiently
Pray for the living and the dead
In 2016, Pope Francis proposed adding an eighth spiritual work of mercy, care for creation. The pope wrote:
"The Christian life involves the practice of the traditional seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy.
'We usually think of the works of mercy individually and in relation to a specific initiative: hospitals for the sick,
soup kitchens for the hungry, shelters for the homeless, schools for those to be educated, the confessional and
spiritual direction for those needing counsel and forgiveness… But if we look at the works of mercy as a whole,
we see that the object of mercy is human life itself and everything it embraces.'
Obviously 'human life itself and everything it embraces' includes care for our common home. So let me
propose a complement to the two traditional sets of seven: may the works of mercy also include care for our
common home.
As a spiritual work of mercy, care for our common home calls for a 'grateful contemplation of God’s world' which
'allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand on to us.' As a corporal work of mercy,
care for our common home requires 'simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation
and selfishness' and 'makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world.' "
(Message for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Sept. 9, 2016)
Learn More:
> Read Pope Francis's catechesis on the Works of Mercy here (available as a book here)
> Read "The Works of Mercy"
> Read "The Spiritual Works of Mercy"
> Read "The Scandal of Mercy Excludes No One"
> Read "New Year, New Mercies"
> Use this inventory to determine how well you or your family practice the Works of Mercy.
[Last Update: 01.29.23]