Pope pens new encyclical on love of Heart of Jesus

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 21 - Pope Francis has written a new encyclical on the love of the Heart of Jesus, the Vatican said Monday.
    The work, entitled "Dilexit nos" (Latin for 'He Loved Us'), is Francis's fourth encyclical and will be published on Thursday, October 24, the Vatican press office said.
    Vatican News said it comes "at a time of profound global challenges.
    "The world today is scarred by war, social and economic imbalances, rampant consumerism, and technologies that threaten to undermine human nature.
    "With this document, Pope Francis will call for a change of perspective, urging humanity to rediscover what is most essential: the heart." The full title of the encyclical is "Dilexit Nos - Encyclical Letter on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ".
    The Pope had previously shared his intention to publish the document at his June 5 general audience in St. Peter's Square, during the month traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
    At the time, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the text would invite reflection on aspects of the Lord's love that could illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal and resonate meaningfully with "a world that seems to have lost its heart." He also noted that the encyclical would incorporate reflections from previous magisterial teachings and the rich tradition of Scripture, reintroducing the Church to this spiritually profound devotion.
    The encyclical's release coincides with ongoing celebrations commemorating the 350th anniversary of the first appearance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.
    Dilexit nos will be Pope Francis' fourth encyclical, following Lumen fidei (June 29, 2013), co-written with Benedict XVI; Laudato si' (May 24, 2015), on the environmental crisis and the need for care for creation; and Fratelli tutti (October 3, 2020), which calls for global fraternity and social friendship in a world fractured by a pandemic and conflicts, including wars fought in the name of God.
    Dilexit nos will be presented at the Vatican Press Office on October 24 by Monsignor Bruno Forte, theologian and Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, alongside Sister Antonella Fraccaro, General Superior of the Disciples of the Gospel. (ANSA).