In his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), Pope Leo XIV turns the attention of the Church toward poverty, humility, and love for the poor. Signed on October 4, 2025—the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi—this landmark document marks the beginning of his magisterial teaching.
The title echoes Dilexit Nos, the final encyclical of Pope Francis, which reflected on the love of the Heart of Jesus. Dilexi Te, begun by Pope Francis before his death and completed by Pope Leo XIV, continues this spiritual thread with a renewed focus: becoming a Church for the poor.
Drawing deeply from the life and witness of Saint Francis, Pope Leo XIV calls Christians to imitate Christ in simplicity, sacrifice, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. He urges the faithful to detach from worldly possessions and pursue a life of service, mercy, and authentic Gospel living.
This powerful exhortation is essential reading for clergy, religious, and laity seeking to understand the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate and the Church’s mission in today’s world.
Book Details:
- First apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo XIV
- Signed on October 4, 2025, feast of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Continuation of themes from Pope Francis’ final encyclical Dilexit Nos
- Begins with reflections drafted by Pope Francis and completed by his successor
- Focuses on poverty, humility, and becoming a Church for the poor
- Highlights the radical witness of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Calls all Christians to imitate Christ through simplicity and service
- A foundational document for understanding Pope Leo XIV’s magisterium
