Skip to content

Pope Leo XIV signs first apostolic exhortation, ‘Dilexi te’

Pope Leo XIV signs his first apostolic exhortation, “Dilexi Te,” at the Vatican on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 4 signed the first apostolic exhortation of his pontificate, the text of which is expected to be released next week. 

The Vatican said in a press release that Leo signed the exhortation Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”) in the library of the Apostolic Palace. The Holy See did not reveal the text of the document, which it said will be presented on Oct. 9 by the Holy See Press Office. 

The focus of the document was also not officially announced, though it is reportedly expected to focus on the poor. It was signed on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The signing of the document took place in the presence of Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State, the Vatican said.

This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

Daniel Payne

Daniel Payne is a senior editor at Catholic News Agency. He previously worked at the College Fix and Just the News. He lives in Virginia with his family.

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

3 Themes That Explain the Significance of Pope Leo’s Journey to Africa

ANALYSIS: A closer look at the four countries on the Pope’s itinerary shows how the Church’s role —

Pope Leo XIV explains why the priesthood is reserved to men

The pope also invited Catholics to pray for priestly vocations. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday said priestly ministry

In Rome, relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s foot points way to the Vatican

As the stories of many ancient things go, the relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s left foot had been

Vatican Approves Medjugorje Devotion After Decades of Investigation

Vatican Approves Medjugorje Devotion, Encouraging Pilgrims to Deepen Their Faith Through the Queen of Peace

How Catholics Should Use Social Media: A Pastoral Reflection from the Vatican

Join us as we explore the Vatican’s recent pastoral reflection on social media and discover important guidelines for
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Mass during the Night in a packed St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV on Christmas night: Make room for others

Pope Leo XIV, at Christmas Mass during the Night, said Christ’s birth brings light into the world’s darkness

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com