‘He Loved Us’: Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“Dilexit nos,” Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, retraces the tradition and relevance of thought 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.
Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, “Dilexit nos,” begins by emphasizing that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. The document explores the divine and human love in the Heart of Jesus Christ, highlighting its role as a source of unconditional love and friendship. In our contemporary society, where varied forms of religiosity emerge without a personal relationship with God, the Pope calls for a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart, asserting that within it lies the entire Gospel.
Pope Francis argues that by encountering Christ’s love, we can forge bonds of fraternity, recognize the dignity of every human being, and work together for the common good. He connects this theme with his previous social Encyclicals, “Laudato si'” and “Fratelli tutti,” urging a collective return to the heart in a fragmented world.
Structured into five chapters, the Encyclical begins with “The Importance of the Heart,” underscoring the need to “return to the heart” amidst a consumer-driven society. The Pope critiques the historical depreciation of the heart by rationalist and materialist philosophies, emphasizing that love is the unifying reality of human experience. According to Pope Francis, the heart sets individuals apart, shaping spiritual identity and fostering communion with others.
The second chapter focuses on Christ’s actions and words of love. It describes how Jesus treats us as friends and highlights His compassion and closeness in His interactions with people like the Samaritan woman and the blind man. His ultimate act of love, being nailed to the Cross, exemplifies His deep affection for humanity.
In the third chapter, the Pope reflects on the Church’s historical devotion to the Sacred Heart, clarifying that this devotion is not the veneration of a single organ but an acknowledgement of Christ as the embodiment of divine and human love. The Sacred Heart serves as a synthesis of the Gospel, representing the infinite within the finite.
Pope Francis emphasises the importance of renewing devotion to the Sacred Heart, particularly in an era of disembodied spirituality. He advocates returning to the Gospel’s incarnate synthesis and cautions against communities overly focused on external activities and secular projects.
In the final chapters, the Pope highlights the significance of personal spiritual experience and community commitment in nourishing devotion to the Sacred Heart. He revisits biblical references to Christ’s pierced side as a source of divine love and the Holy Spirit, mentioning historical and modern devotees who have experienced spiritual peace through this devotion. The Encyclical concludes with a call to rediscover the Sacred Heart as a wellspring of life and interior peace.