Pope Francis has released his fourth papal encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), focusing on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and calling for renewed devotion among Catholics.
The document urges the faithful to rediscover the importance of the heart in an era dominated by consumerism and technology. It emphasizes that authentic Christian love manifests in actions and works of evangelization and mercy.
“In this age of artificial intelligence, we cannot forget that poetry and love are necessary to save our humanity,” Pope Francis writes. He warns of a world “losing its heart” amid wars, socio-economic disparities and technological misuse.
Divided into five chapters, the encyclical explores themes like the significance of the heart, Christ’s actions and words of love and the missionary aspect of Sacred Heart devotion.
Pope Francis encourages practices such as Eucharistic adoration and embracing the Sacred Heart as a source of spiritual renewal and communal commitment.
He asserts that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not outdated but vital for addressing contemporary challenges and building a “civilization of love.”
“From His holy Heart may flow for all of us rivers of living water to heal our wounds and strengthen our capacity to love and serve,” Pope Francis prayed in concluding his writing.
Here is the full text from the Vatican.
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