New encyclical focuses on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the context of a world “which seems to have lost its heart.”
Oct. 24, 2024 – The Vatican has released a new encycylical by Pope Francis called, Dilexit nos (“He loved us”): on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ. The pope mentioned in June, the month in which the Church traditionally honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that he would release a document this fall on the devotion to “illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal, but also to say something significant to a world that seems to have lost its heart.”
This fourth encyclical from Pope Francis is meant to be read and considered together with his previous two encyclicals, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home” and “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” Catholic News Service reported.
“In the deepest fiber of our being, we were made to love and to be loved,” the pope writes. Then adds, “when we witness the outbreak of new wars, with the complicity, tolerance or indifference of other countries, or petty power struggles over partisan interests, we may be tempted to conclude that our world is losing its heart.”
Pope Francis calls on all people of good will to reject indifference, to love and serve the vulnerable and marginalized, to make reparation for the damage humanity has done in this world by our sins, and to “build a new civilization of love” in union with Christ and animated by his Sacred Heart.
As a fundamental means of accomplishing this, the pope invites Catholics to renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the practices associated with it, most especially eucharistic adoration and receiving holy Communion on the first Friday of each month.
Resources
Read Dilexit nos (English | Español), also available in multiple other languages.
Vatican News:
‘Dilexit nos’: Pope to publish encyclical on Sacred Heart of Jesus (Oct. 21)
‘Dilexit nos’: The experience of a loving heart (Oct. 24)
A Heart that changes the world (Editorial reflection, Oct. 24)
Catholic News Service:
Only love will save humanity, pope says in encyclical on Sacred Heart (Oct. 24)
