This paper examines the thematic connection of Psalm 103 with the teaching of Pope Francis’s in Misericordiae Vultus. The author of Psalm 103 gives a rich description of the God as one who is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Beginning with the analysis of Psalm 103, this paper seeks to focus on the theological understanding of mercy as a major attribute of God. It looks then at historical and modern contexts of the understanding of mercy in relation to Christianity and how those themes relate to the current situation that Pope Francis is calling. That scriptural basis provides the framework for then discussing how those themes are developed and presented in the teaching of Pope Francis, particularly in his document Misericordiae Vultus, The Face of Mercy. This reflection from Pope Francis clearly brings out the true depth of the wealth of mercy as an ultra-powerful force for growth in individual lives as well as social cohesion among the people. In fact, he champions a "culture of encounter" where mercy becomes the center of life for all Christians. This paper further explores these teachings from the vantage point for application in the obviously predominantly Catholic country of East Timor in Asia and how the value of mercy and compassion can be cultivated within it in terms of culture, history, and the conditions at present as it revolves around challenges and conflicts. This is an interdisciplinary study in history, theology, and cultural studies that reveals the message of mercy and compassion that Pope Francis has given by tying his messages together with the scriptural messages from the book of Psalms. This kind of study goes to depth about how those themes are weaved into Christian identity and mission, pushing believers to live with empathy, pursuing justice, and living out the redemptive power of mercy within life and community.