VATICAN CITY (EFE).— The Pope’s new encyclical, published yesterday, advocates for the power of love against “the shameful drama” of war and against a consumerist world that “is losing its heart,” collecting the spiritual message of pontificate of Francis.
The encyclical “Dilexit nos”, about the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, “is born from the spiritual experience of Francis, who feels the drama of the enormous suffering caused by wars” and “wants to be close to those who suffer by proposing the message of divine love that comes to save us,” explained theologian Bruno Forte in the presentation of the text.
The document, of 40 pages, five chapters and 220 paragraphs “offers the key to the entire teaching of this Pope,” added the archbishop, assuring that, as in his previous encyclicals, it is about “being able to weave fraternal ties, to recognize the dignity of every human being and to take care of our common home together,” he added.
“Dilexit nos” is Francis’ fourth encyclical, after “Lumen Fidei” (2013), written with his predecessor Benedict XVI; “Laudato Si” (2015), about environmental protection, and “Fratelli tutti” (2020) about fraternity in the midst of a pandemic.
Forte wanted to highlight that the encyclical can be “considered a kind of compendium of what Pope Francis wanted and wants to say to each brother or sister in humanity: God loves you and showed it to you in the most luminous way in the history of Jesus. of Nazareth.”
In this document, the most solemn of papal writings, Francis denounces the “shameful drama” of wars in the midst of a world that “is losing its heart,” while also warning of consumerism or the “anti-human” use of technology.
“Seeing how new wars happen, with the complicity, tolerance or indifference of other countries, or with mere power struggles around partial interests, we can think that world society is losing its heart,” he warns.
Francisco describes a “liquid world” made up of “societies of serial consumers who live from day to day dominated by the rhythms and noises of technology,” without the “patience” necessary to cultivate an inner or religious sphere because “today everything is bought and It is paid and it seems that the very sense of dignity depends on things that are achieved with the power of money.”
Concerned about the war, he assures that “it would be enough to look and hear the old women held captive in the devastating conflicts.”
“It is heartbreaking to see them crying for their murdered grandchildren, or to hear them wish for their own death because they have been left without the house where they have always lived (…) Seeing grandmothers cry without it becoming intolerable is a sign of a world without a heart,” he denounces. .
For all this, Francis vindicates the need to recover humanity, solidarity and love for our neighbor, with the love of the Heart of Christ: “May he spread his light and his love so that our world, which survives between wars, socioeconomic imbalances, consumerism and the anti-human use of technology can recover what is most important and necessary: the heart,” he implores.
Fanaticisms
The Pope also refers to his own Church, often involved in fights between more or less conservative factions, and advocates avoiding “all fanaticism” or “obsessions of other times” and asks it to “recognize the dignity of every human being.”
The Church does not need to “replace the love of Christ with outdated structures, obsessions from other times, adoration of one’s own mentality, fanaticisms of all kinds that end up taking the place of that free love of God that liberates, vivifies, gladdens the heart and nourishes.” the communities,” points out the Pontiff.
He also warns of “a strong advance of secularization that aspires to a world free of God,” in the midst of a society “obsessed with free time, consumption, fun, telephones and social networks.”
In this context, he warns of the multiplication in societies of various forms of religiosity that do not refer to a God of love and that he considers as “manifestations of a spirituality without flesh.”
And he regrets the presence in the Church of “pastors focused only on external activities, structural reforms lacking the Gospel, obsessive organizations, worldly projects and secularized reflections.”
“Love for brothers is not manufactured, it is not the result of our natural effort, but it requires a transformation of our selfish heart,” he states.
#world #heart #Diario #Yucatán
### Interview with Theologian Bruno Forte on Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Dilexit nos”
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bruno. The recent release of Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Dilexit nos,” has garnered much attention. Could you start by providing us with an overview of the main themes addressed in this document?
**Bruno Forte:** Absolutely. “Dilexit nos,” which translates to “He Loved Us,” encapsulates Pope Francis’ deep concern for humanity, particularly in light of the suffering caused by wars and conflicts. The encyclical emphasizes the transformative power of love—both human and divine—as a necessary antidote to the “shameful drama” of war and rampant consumerism that seems to be stripping our world of its heart and dignity.
**Editor:** It’s intriguing to see how the Pope connects love with the challenges we face in today’s society. How does this encyclical fit into the larger context of his previous writings?
**Bruno Forte:** This is indeed Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical, building on themes from “Lumen Fidei,” “Laudato Si,” and “Fratelli tutti.” Each one addresses different aspects of our human existence, but all converge on the necessity of building fraternal ties and recognizing each individual’s dignity. ”Dilexit nos” can be seen as a comprehensive statement of his vision—a poignant reminder of God’s unwavering love for humanity and our imperative to mirror that love in our actions.
**Editor:** The Pope raises significant concerns about modern society losing its moral compass amidst technology and consumerism. Can you elaborate on his views regarding these issues?
**Bruno Forte:** Certainly. Pope Francis warns that we live in a “liquid world,” one dominated by instant gratification and the relentless pace of technology. He critiques a culture that equates dignity with material possessions, urging us to cultivate a deeper inner life and a commitment to communal well-being. The encyclical challenges us to reflect on our complicity in these systems and to strive for a more compassionate society that prioritizes human values over consumerist tendencies.
**Editor:** The emotional weight of the encyclical is palpable, especially his references to the suffering of individuals in war zones. How does the Pope propose we respond to this suffering?
**Bruno Forte:** Pope Francis calls for empathy and recognition of our shared humanity. He implores us to listen to the cries of those affected by war and to act with solidarity, emphasizing the need for concrete actions that embody divine love. The encyclical is both a heartfelt plea and a call to action, urging individuals and nations to pursue peace and compassion as fundamental pillars of a just society.
**Editor:** In these turbulent times, what message do you believe this encyclical holds for people of all faiths and backgrounds?
**Bruno Forte:** The message is universal—love is a powerful force that transcends boundaries and ideologies. “Dilexit nos” invites everyone, regardless of their beliefs, to embrace a spirit of fraternity, to cherish our interconnectedness, and to work toward a world where every person is valued. In essence, it’s a clarion call for us to uplift one another and to insist on a world that reflects the love God has for all.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bruno, for sharing your insights on “Dilexit nos.” It’s clear that Pope Francis’ message is one of hope and urgency for a more loving and just world.
**Bruno Forte:** Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to discuss such an important encyclical that speaks to the heart of our shared humanity.