Dilexit Nos: Pope Francis Calls for Devotion to the Sacred Heart in New Encyclical

Vatican city, October 25, 2024: Pope Francis released his fourth encyclical on October 24, titled Dilexit Nos (Latin for "He Loved Us"), which addresses the theme of human and divine love through the heart of Jesus Christ. This encyclical joins the Pope's previous works, including Lumen Fidei, Laudato Si, and Fratelli Tutti. Over five chapters, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of cultivating devotion to the Sacred Heart, presenting it as a profound source of healing for individuals, relationships, and a fragmented world.

In a time increasingly characterized by consumerism, technology, and artificial intelligence, the Pope warns against living superficial lives devoid of authentic love and depth. He calls for a rediscovery of the significance of love and the heart's central role in decision-making and wisdom, urging readers to look beyond the head, which often seeks to dominate the heart.

To encourage deeper self-reflection, Pope Francis poses challenging questions: “Who am I, really? What am I looking for? What direction do I want to give to my life, my decisions and my actions?” These inquiries remind us of the heart's critical role in defining our identity and purpose.

The encyclical draws upon the rich wisdom of saints and theologians such as Margaret Mary Alacoque, Ignatius of Loyola, and Thérèse of Lisieux to highlight the essential nature of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Pope Francis emphasizes that in a world where selfishness dominates, many people live heartless lives, lacking genuine emotional connections.

The Pope also contrasts the nourishing power of songs and poetry with the limitations of algorithms and artificial intelligence, stressing that true human flourishing requires deep emotional engagement. He reassures us that real change starts in the hearts of individuals and that collective dreaming and visualization can lead to significant transformation.

Pope Francis describes Jesus’ heart as a symbol of salvation for all humanity and encourages devotion to it, inviting all to seek an embrace from Him who embodies light, life, joy, and peace. He also addresses the need for reparation for personal and social sins, urging a collective effort to rebuild our fragmented world. By striving to live with integrity and serving others, he believes Christ’s heart will inspire us to create a civilization rooted in love.

By Fr Stan Alla SJ