Skip to main content

Summary on Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te

 




A Summary on Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te. By Ogundipe O Lawrence,SDV


The Apostolic Exhortation *Dilexi Te* by Pope Leo XIV, issued on October 4, 2025, focuses on the Church’s call to love and care for the poor. It builds on the teachings of Pope Francis and the Church’s long tradition of prioritizing the needs of the marginalized. Below is a simplified summary of its key themes:


 *Introduction*

The title *Dilexi Te* means "I have loved you," reflecting Christ’s love for the poor and marginalized.

Pope Leo XIV continues Pope Francis’ vision of linking Christ’s love with the Church’s mission to care for the poor.


*Key Themes*


 *1. Love for the Poor as Central to the Gospel*


Jesus’ love for the poor is inseparable from his mission. His life, from birth to death, was marked by poverty and solidarity with the marginalized - Acts of love for the poor are acts of love for Christ himself (Matthew 25:40).


*2. Historical Witness of the Church*- Saints like Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, and Mother Teresa exemplify the Church’s commitment to the poor.

- Early Christians, Church Fathers, and religious orders prioritized care for the poor, sick, and marginalized.


*3. The Poor as Teachers*


The poor are not just recipients of charity but are subjects with dignity and wisdom. They reveal Christ’s presence and challenge society’s values.

The Church must listen to and learn from the poor, recognizing their role in evangelization. 


4 Structural Causes of Poverty


Poverty is often caused by unjust systems and structures. The Church must work to address these root causes, not just provide temporary relief.

Inequality and the "throwaway culture" harm the most vulnerable and must be challenged.


5.A Church for the Poor


The Church must embody simplicity and solidarity with the poor, becoming a "poor Church for the poor."

True Christian faith requires action: feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and caring for the sick.


*Practical Applications*


*1. Almsgiving and Charity*


Almsgiving remains essential, not as a solution to poverty but as a way to connect with the poor and soften hearts.

Charity must be paired with efforts to ensure justice and dignity for all.


*2. Education and Empowerment*


Education is a powerful tool for lifting people out of poverty. The Church has a long tradition of providing education, especially to the marginalized.


*3. Advocacy and Action*


The Church must advocate for systemic change, addressing inequality, environmental degradation, and exploitation.

Popular movements and grassroots efforts are vital in creating a more just society.


 Conclusion

Love for the poor is at the heart of the Church’s mission and a reflection of God’s love for humanity.

Christians are called to see Christ in the poor, act with compassion, and work for a world of justice and solidarity.


Pope Leo XIV concludes by reminding Christians that Christ’s words, “I have loved you,” are addressed to the poor and to all who serve them. The Church’s mission is to embody this love in action.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Catholics should not eat meat during Christmas Eve

  One of the traditional acts of Christmas is to abstain from meat on Christmas Eve, 24th December.  I could still remember the temptation from the aroma of the fried chicken from my Mama Lucy's kitchen when I was 7 years old. I asked her for a bite and she shouted “Agbedo" meaning never!!! “Why grandma?” I asked, she took me by hands to the Church manger and showed me the animals in the crib: “Yes, Olu, we cannot eat meat on Christmas Eve because the animals were the ones who kept Jesus company at his birth, so we must respect them today''. “Waoo!” I exclaimed, “So that's why I cannot eat meat today...” I held unto this tradition until I entered Seminary only for us to eat plenty meat on the Christmas Eve. Then I asked: “Why are we not respecting the animals today?” And my brothers laughed at my ignorance.  Why then should grandma stop me from eating meat? According to Wikipedia, the Catholic Church historically observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence a...
4 comments
Read more

About Society of Divine Vocations in Nigeria

The Society of Divine Vocations, also known as the Vocationist Congregation, is a Religious Congregation of Priests, Brothers and Sisters founded by St. Justin Mary Russolillo (1891-1955) in Italy. The Vocationist Fathers and Brothers Congregation was first founded on October 18, 1920 while the Vocationist Sisters was founded on October 1, 1921. The Congregation has its motherhouse at Pianura in the district of Naples in Italy.  The Vocationist Congregation has its main charism as identifying and fostering vocations to priesthood and religious life, especially among the less privileged. The Vocationists work in Vocationaries (considered as their most characteristic work and most special and primary field of action), parishes, schools, and missions. The Society of Divine Vocation is a core religious institute of Pontifical Right. We live in communities and profess the three evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Vocation is our business. God has specially called us...
13 comments
Read more

Why are Popes buried in three Coffins?

  Edited by Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV  The Popes are usually buried in three different coffins the question is why is it so? What is the significance of this tradition? Can it be changed?   The three coffins used for the internment of a Pope are as follows: A cypress coffin. The mortal remains of the Holy Father are placed inside this coffin. A copy of the program from the funeral Mass is placed in the innermost coffin made of cypress, as are bags of silver, gold, and copper coins. The number of coins in each bag equals the number of years of the papacy. The simple wooden coffin made of cypress signifies he is an ordinary human being like everyone else.  The coffin is sealed and wrapped with three silk ribbons before being placed in a lead casket. The picture below is the cypress coffin.  A lead casket -- The lead casket, which is soldered shut, is engraved with the pope's name and dates of his papacy, as well as a skull and crossbones. The lead coffin is mo...
Post a Comment
Read more