Dilexit Nos “He Loved Us” (143719)

Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He loved us” Rom 8:37) retraces the Church’s tradition and reflection on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” calling for a renewal of authentic devotion to avoid forgetting the tenderness of faith, the joy of serving, and the fervour of mission.

In our societies, the Pope writes, “we are seeing a proliferation of varied forms of religiosity that have nothing to do with a personal relationship with the God of love”. In response, Pope Francis offers a new reflection on the love of Christ represented in His Holy Heart.

This encyclical comes as celebrations are underway for the 350th anniversary of the first manifestation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.