In the final days of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis introduced his latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), a document centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the transformative power of God’s love.
Presenting the encyclical at the press conference were Sister Antonella Fraccaro, Superior General of the Disciples of the Gospel, and theologian Archbishop Bruno Forte.
The Central Message of Dilexit Nos
Archbishop Bruno Forte highlighted the significance of the encyclical, calling it a key to understanding Pope Francis’ entire pontificate. He explained, “The central idea of this encyclical is that the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ is not just an intimate, personal experience but the deep source that drives us to love others, change society, and build peace through dialogue and respect for others.”
A Call for Compassionate Leadership in the Church
The release of Dilexit Nos coincides with the close of the Synod on Synodality and extends a clear challenge to Church leaders to embrace compassionate, empathetic leadership. Archbishop Forte emphasized Pope Francis’ vision of a Church governance rooted in genuine synodality: “The encyclical speaks directly to the Synod Fathers, inviting them to ground the Church’s mission in the agape of Christ. The Pope makes it clear that only through love can we joyfully and effectively proclaim God’s love,” the Archbishop continued.
Embracing the Sacred Heart: Personal Renewal for Today’s World
Sister Antonella Fraccaro spoke to the personal transformation that Dilexit Nos encourages. “As the Pope says, ‘I am my heart.’ Referring to the Heart of Jesus means nourishing our own hearts,” she noted, “bringing quality to our lives through the goodness and love of Jesus.”
The release of the encyclical also marks the 350th anniversary of the first apparition of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Pope Francis reminds us that devotion to the Sacred Heart has historically brought renewal to the Church in challenging times and continues to be a source of hope and resilience today.
Bénédicte Cedergren contributed to this Vaticano segment.
Adapted by Jacob Stein
