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.
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