From June 7 to 12, 2026, the city of Vilnius, Lithuania, will host the 6th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM). This international event, expected to gather about 5,000 participants from around the world, aims to address the challenges of loneliness, individualism, and social divisions that mark life in large cities. Under the theme "Building the City of Mercy," the congress proposes to rediscover how God's love and compassion can transform urban spaces into places of encounter, healing, and hope.
Organized by the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Vilnius, the gathering will include bishops, priests, religious, young people, and families from many nations. It will be a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of faith in building more just and compassionate communities.
Vilnius: Cradle of the Divine Mercy Message
The choice of Vilnius as the venue is no coincidence. This city is deeply connected to the spiritual story of Saint Faustina Kowalska, the Polish nun to whom Jesus revealed the message of Divine Mercy. It was in Vilnius that Saint Faustina received some of these revelations, guided by her spiritual director, Blessed Michael Sopocko. There, too, the image of the Merciful Jesus was first painted by artist Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, now venerated at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy.
The congress will take place on the so-called "Savior's Hill," near the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During the Soviet occupation, this site was turned into a prison, but today, through this event, it is transformed again into a space of spiritual freedom and encounter with divine mercy.
Mercy as a Response to Urban Challenges
Large cities are often places of contrasts: on one hand, they offer opportunities; on the other, they generate isolation, stress, and distrust. The congress invites Christians to be agents of change, bringing God's mercy to every corner of urban life. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, adjunct prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, encouraged the faithful to renew their commitment: "Let us experience again in our lives how merciful God is with each of us and renew our commitment to build cities that are, more than ever, places of mercy."
For his part, Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius highlighted the spiritual significance of the host city: "God is the architect of the City of Mercy, and we are his collaborators. I invite everyone to come to Vilnius, experience God's mercy, and become its witnesses."
God's Word Guides Us
The Bible constantly reminds us of the call to be merciful. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36, NIV). This teaching urges us to step out of our selfishness and reach out to those who suffer, especially in urban environments where indifference can be a constant temptation.
Psalm 145:9 proclaims: "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made" (NIV). This certainty gives us the strength to be instruments of his love in a society that often values success more than compassion.
Activities and Focus of the Congress
During the six days of the event, participants will have the opportunity to attend conferences, workshops, prayer times, and liturgical celebrations. Topics will include urban ministry, Christian charity, spiritual accompaniment, and the promotion of social justice. There will also be spaces for sharing experiences among communities from different
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