Pope Leo XIV has published his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te (‘I have loved you’), on love for the poor.
This exhortation is a joint effort between the new Holy Father and the late Pope Francis, who began this writing before his death on April 21, 2025. Dilexi te builds on the teaching of Francis’ final encyclical – Dilexit nos, on the Sacred Heart of Jesus – highlighting the “close connection” between the love of God and love for the poor.
“Pope Leo’s Exhortation offers numerous points for reflection and calls for action in its analysis of the many ‘faces of the poor and of poverty’, including ‘the poverty of those who lack material means of subsistence’ or ‘who are socially marginalized and lack the means to give voice to their dignity and abilities'” (9) Vatican News
“In the first apostolic exhortation from Pope Leo XIV, we are consoled and challenged by his message reminding us of the deep love Christ has for each member of the human family. ‘God’s love is vividly demonstrated by his protection of the weak and the poor,’ our Holy Father writes. Building upon the teaching of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV has offered to us a powerfully moving invitation to reflect upon the history of the Church’s service to the poor and urges us to allow it to transform our contemporary lives. The Holy Father reminds us of a simple, life-changing truth, ‘love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God.’ This means that ‘charity is not optional but a requirement of true worship,’” wrote Archbishop Broglio, president of the USCCB, in a statement on the new exhortation.
The exhortation was signed on Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
What is an encyclical?
An encyclical letter is a high-level teaching document that expresses the pope’s thoughts on matters of faith and morals.
Encyclicals may be to the entire Church, a particular Church or people, or to all people of goodwill. Encyclicals do not
constitute ex cathedra (“from the chair”) pronouncements, meaning they do not have infallible authority. However, they are
important in that the pope is fulfilling his role as pastor and teacher.
What is an apostolic exhortation?
An apostolic exhortation is typically issued in response to a synod of bishops in which a pope encourages the Church to
undertake a particular activity. Exhortations do not define Church doctrine and are considered less authoritative than papal encyclicals, but they are more authoritative than other papal issuances such as audiences and homilies.
