Dilexit nos
| Dilexit nos Latin for 'He Loved Us' Encyclical of Pope Francis | |
|---|---|
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| Signature date | 24 October 2024 |
| Subject | On the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ |
| Number | 4 of 4 of the pontificate |
| Text | |
Dilexit nos (He loved us) is the fourth encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled "On the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ". Similar to previous encyclicals, in Dilexit nos Pope Francis criticises modern phenomena, such as individualism, social and economic disparities, and "uses of technology that threaten our humanity", and calls for rediscovery of "heart" as a way towards unity, peace, and reconciliation in the modern era.[1]
Pope Francis had announced in June 2024 that he would publish a document dedicated to the Sacred Heart devotion,[2] and it was published on 24 October 2024.[1][3]
The encyclical has been described as less directly focused on political or social issues and more spiritual[4] than its predecessors Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti. However, Archbishop Bruno Forte of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who introduced the encyclical at a press conference, described it as relevant to the "dramatic challenges of the present time".[5]
Background
Dilexit nos follows a line of papal encyclicals entirely dedicated to the Sacred Heart, succeeding Pope Pius XII's 1956 encyclical Haurietis aquas, Pope Pius XI's 1928 Miserentissimus Redemptor, and Pope Leo XIII's 1899 Annum sacrum.[3]
In a footnote,[1] Pope Francis cites as inspiration the unpublished writings of Diego Fares SJ, an Argentine Jesuit for whom Francis served as rector, formator, and spiritual director.[6]
Contents
There are five sections to the encyclical: initially, a philosophical and theological survey of "the heart", followed by reflections on Jesus' actions and words of love, and an account of the theological meaning of Sacred Heart devotion.[3] The opening of the encyclical picks up New Testament references to Christ's love for "us" taken from John's Gospel, the first letter of St John and St Paul's letter to the Romans.[1]
Further sections on the "spiritual dynamics and social implications" of the teaching follow.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d "Encyclical Letter Dilexit Nos of the Holy Father Francis on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ (official English text of the encyclical)". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "General Audience of 5 June 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis". www.vatican.va.
- ^ a b c d Wimmer, AC. "Sacred Heart shows path forward in AI Era, Pope Francis says in new encyclical 'Dilexit Nos'". Catholic News Agency.
- ^ Bubola, Emma (24 October 2024). "Pope Francis, in New Letter, Urges Catholics to Reject Individualism". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ Brockhaus, Hannah (24 October 2024). "Theologian: Sacred Heart encyclical 'key' to Francis' pontificate". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ Ivereigh, Austen (28 July 2022). "Remembering Father Diego Fares, our greatest interpreter of Pope Francis". America Magazine. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
