On Thursday, Pope Francis will publish a new apostolic encyclical focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and in the context of a world “that has lost its heart.”
Vatican News
Vatican City, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 (Rei): “Dilexit Nos” (He Loved Us) will be Pope Francis’ fourth apostolic encyclical and is published at a time of more serious global challenges.
Today the world is plagued by wars, social and economic imbalances, uncontrolled consumerism and technologies that weaken human nature.
With this document, the Pope will call humanity to change its attitude and rediscover what is most essential: the heart.
papal declaration
The full title of the encyclical, “Dilexit Nos – Encyclical Letter on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ,” has been confirmed today by the Vatican Press Office and is scheduled for publication on October 24.
The Pope had previously shared his intention to publish the document during his general audience in the courtyard of St. Peter’s Basilica on June 5, the month traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
At the time, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the document would invite reflection on those aspects of God’s love that could illuminate the path toward ecclesial renewal and “resonate significantly in a world that has lost it.”
He also said the encyclical would include reflections on past teachings and the rich tradition of theology, reintroducing the Church to deep spiritual devotion.
vision of 1673
The publication of the encyclical will coincide with the celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the first appearance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary of Alacoque in 1673.
On December 27 of that year, Jesus appeared to a young 26-year-old French nun, and entrusted her with the mission of spreading his love, especially toward sinners. These visions, which took place in the convent of the Visitation sisters at Père-le-Moniel in Burgundy, continued for 17 years.
Christ showed his heart on fire and surrounded by a crown of thorns, symbolizing the wounds inflicted by human sin. He requested that the Friday following the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Jesus be dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Although initially misunderstood by many, including her religious sisters, St. Margaret Mary remained steadfast in her mission to reveal the love of Christ to the world.
Horiatis Aquas of Pope Pius XII
In 1956, Pope Pius XII hauriatis aquas He published an encyclical intended to revive bhakti at a time when it was in decline. Pope Pius highlighted the importance of devotion to the needs of the Church and its potential as a “banner of salvation” for the modern world.
Pope Benedict XVI hauriatis aquas This sentiment was reinforced in a letter written on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the birth of Christ: “This mystery of God’s love for us is not only a matter of devotion to the Heart of Jesus; it is also in the heart of every true Christian.” spirituality.” “
Devotion to Pope Francis
Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart, often linking it to the mission of the priesthood. In 2016, the Priestly Jubilee on the Sanctity of the Sacred Heart concluded, urging priests to direct their hearts as Good Shepherds toward the lost and distant.
During the same Jubilee, in his first reflection on mercy, Francis asked bishops and priests to revisit Horatios Aquas, noting that “the heart of Christ is the center of mercy. He is merciful: he gets his hands dirty, he touches, commits, and gets involved with others.”
The Pope’s fourth encyclical
Dilexit Nos will be Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical, having previously written Lumen Fidei (June 29, 2013) in collaboration with Pope Benedict XVI; Laudato Si’ (May 24, 2015), about the environmental crisis and the need to care for creation; and Fratelli Tutti (October 3, 2020), which calls for global brotherhood and social friendship in a world plagued by pandemics and conflicts, including wars fought in the name of God.
Dilexit will be presented to us on October 24 at the Vatican Press Office by Monsignor Bruno Forte, theologian and archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, and Sister Antonella Fraccaro, superior general of the Disciples of the Gospel.
