Australian Catholics have been encouraged to study the first Apostolic Exhortation to be released by Pope Leo XIV.

Dilexi te (‘I have loved you’ – Revelations 3:9) was released at a media conference in Rome on October 9.

Pope Francis had begun writing the document, focused on the theme of love for the poor, before he died and Pope Leo decided to make it his own with the addition of some reflections.

“I share the desire of my beloved predecessor that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor,” Pope Leo writes in the introduction.

The 100-page document describes prejudice against the poor as an “inescapable challenge”.

“Not infrequently, our prosperity can make us blind to the needs of others and even make us think that our happiness and fulfilment depend on ourselves alone, apart from others.

“In such cases, the poor can act as silent teachers for us, making us conscious of our presumption and instilling within us a rightful spirit of humility.”

The document urges a multifaceted approach to poverty, including prayer, solidarity, welfare assistance, almsgiving and working to ensure social justice.

“Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realise that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: ‘I have loved you’ (Rev 3:9),” the document concludes.

Bishop Timothy Harris, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, said it was an important document in that it drew focus on love for the poor.

“It is significant that Pope Leo should publish his first Apostolic Exhortation in continuity with Pope Francis’ Dilexit nos (‘He Loved Us’), as this immediately identifies poverty as a priority under the new papacy,” Bishop Harris said.

“In studying Dilexi te, we can come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor.

“Dilexi te reminds us that it is essential that we recognise Jesus in the poor and the suffering. It is here we see the very heart of Christ. Pope Leo reminds us of the importance of loving the poor, as Jesus did.”

Bishop Harris said Pope Leo – like Pope Francis – emphasised that the poor are at the heart of the Gospel.

“This is an essential reminder given the awful reality of poverty in today’s world,” he said.

“I encourage close study of the statement, and careful consideration of ways in which its message can be engaged thoughtfully and applied in local acts of mercy, service and works.”

The full statement can be found here

Background

• The writing of Dilexi te was begun by Pope Francis in his final months of life and completed by Pope Leo XIV.
• The 100-page document consists of an introduction and five chapters: 1) A Few Essential Words; 2) God Chooses the Poor; 3) A Church for the Poor; 4) A History that Continues; and 5) A Constant Challenge.
• It begins and ends with words from the New Testament book of Revelations 3:9 “I have loved you”, which Jesus says to a Christian community that has no influence or resources and is treated with violence and contempt.
• Catholic parishes and agencies across Australia are engaged in a wide range of ministries to address poverty and the individual needs of the poor and marginalised.

(Image: Screenshot of media conference with Cardinal Michael Czerny in Rome launching the document.)