Pope Francis will publish his highly anticipated encyclical, “Dilexit nos” (He Loved Us), on 24 October 2024. This significant document explores the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, marking a major milestone in the Catholic Church.
The encyclical, announced by the Vatican press office on 21 October, will be presented at a press conference on 24 October. Renowned theologian Archbishop Bruno Forte and Sister Antonella Fraccaro, general head of the Disciples of the Gospel, will unveil the document.
“Dilexit nos” is Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical, following in the footsteps of Lumen Fidei (2013), Laudato si’ (2015), and Fratelli Tutti (2020). Encyclicals, derived from the Greek term “encyklios,” meaning “circular,” are authoritative letters addressed to all bishops and Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis first announced his intention to publish a magisterial text on the Sacred Heart devotion during a general audience on 5 June. This traditional devotion, spanning over three centuries, has been a cornerstone of Catholicism. The Sacred Heart symbol, often depicted as a flaming and bleeding heart, represents Christ’s sacrifice.