Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Dilexit nos (“He loved us”), calls Catholics to rediscover the Sacred Heart of Jesus to counter the superficiality of modern consumer society. He emphasizes the need for Christians to open their hearts to God’s love, drawing on traditional spiritual teachings from figures like St. Francis de Sales and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Pope Francis critiques the rationalism and materialism that have devalued the heart in human relationships and our connection with God.
In this text, the Pope stresses that love and emotions are integral to spiritual life and warns against the dangers posed by artificial intelligence and war, advocating for a world grounded in the love of Christ. He highlights devotion to the Sacred Heart as a pathway to reconciliation and unity, urging a renewal of this devotion in response to secularism and disembodied spirituality. By following Christ’s heart, the Pope encourages Christians to participate in building a new “civilization of love,” focusing on reparation and forgiveness in a world torn by conflict and inequality.
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*( An encyclical is like a special letter from the Pope to all the bishops, and to all the Catholics worldwide. In it, the Pope usually talks about important issues of faith, morals, or the challenges the world is facing. It’s a way for him to guide and inspire the Church on how to live out their faith in today’s world. Think of it as an important message meant to shape and strengthen the beliefs and actions of the Catholic community.)