Dilexit nos

Dilexit nos
Latin for 'He Loved Us'
Encyclical of Pope Francis
Coat of arms of Pope Francis
Signature date 24 October 2024 (2024-10-24)
SubjectOn the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ
Number4 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]

  1. ^ a b "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.
  2. ^ "General Audience of 5 June 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis". www.vatican.va.
  3. ^ Wimmer, AC. "Sacred Heart shows path forward in AI Era, Pope Francis says in new encyclical 'Dilexit Nos'". Catholic News Agency.
  4. ^ Bubola, Emma (24 October 2024). "Pope Francis, in New Letter, Urges Catholics to Reject Individualism". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  5. ^ Brockhaus, Hannah (24 October 2024). "Theologian: Sacred Heart encyclical 'key' to Francis' pontificate". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2024.