Vatican City, Nov 18, 2016 / 06:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a lengthy new interview, Pope Francis opened up about his thoughts on the Jubilee of Mercy as well as progress made in the field of ecumenism, both of which he said have roots in the Second Vatican Council.

Asked what the Year of Mercy has meant to him, the Pope said that he hopes “many people have discovered themselves to be very loved by Jesus and have allowed themselves to be embraced by him.”