BY THE PARTNER NEWSPAPER

Pope Francis has just released a new encyclical today, October 24, 2024, titled “Dilexit Nos” or “He Loved Us”. This significant document focuses on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and its relevance in today’s world. According to the Pope, the spirituality of the Sacred Heart offers a vital response to the challenges of our modern era, dominated by technology and consumerism.

In “Dilexit Nos,” Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of rediscovering the heart in our lives, amidst the superficiality and frenetic pace of modern society. He argues that Christ’s heart is the principle unifying reality in a fragmented world and that devotion to the Sacred Heart has profound implications for social life and human relationships.

The encyclical is divided into five chapters, exploring the philosophical and theological significance of the heart, Christ’s actions and words of love, and the spiritual dynamics and social implications of Sacred Heart devotion. Pope Francis also engages with modern thought, citing philosophers like Martin Heidegger, to emphasize the role of emotion and understanding in human experience.

This document builds upon centuries of Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart, offering fresh insights for contemporary challenges. As the Pope concludes, Christ’s love is the foundation for addressing and solving modern problems, calling for a “civilization of love” built on the heart of Christ.

FACTS ABOUT THE ENCYCLICAL

– Announcement: Pope Francis announced his plan to publish “Dilexit Nos” during his general audience on June 5, 2024.

– Release Date: It was released on October 24, 2024.

– Significance: This encyclical marks the 350th anniversary of the first apparition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.

– Pope Francis’ Encyclicals: “Dilexit Nos” is Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical. Previous Encyclicals include “Lumen Fidei” (2013), “Laudato Si'” (2015), and “Fratelli Tutti” (2020).

Below is the full text of the publication.