God loves each and every one of us and there are no '"lost sheep" only "sheep needing to be found", Pope Francis said on Wednesday.
"God does not want even a single person to be lost," Francis told pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for his weekly general audience.
"Jesus teaches us that in his eyes there are no lost sheep, but only sheep needing to be found," Francis said, reflecting on the parable of the Good Shepherd.
In the parable, God uses the image of the shepherd who leaves his entire flock to go in search of a single lost sheep to express His closeness to sinners, the pontiff said.
"The example of the Good Shepherd also challenges us to go out in search of those in particular need of God’s mercy, especially those who have gone astray.""
We are all lost sheep who were found by the Lord's mercy, he concluded.
"No distance can keep the shepherd far from his sheep; and no flock can afford to give up on a member."
