US EditionPope Leo Puts Poor, Marginalised Centre Stage in First Major Text
Pope Leo XIV calls for renewed almsgiving and social justice to address persistent poverty and condemns neglect and prejudice against marginalized groups.
- On Oct. 9, Pope Leo XIV released his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, divided into five chapters and urging bishops worldwide to embrace social justice by centering the poor.
- The Vatican said the exhortation was begun under Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV received it as an inheritance, drawing heavily on Evangelii Gaudium, scripture, Church Fathers and Second Vatican Council documents.
- Defining the poor broadly, Leo included the incarcerated, victims of sexual exploitation, those affected by environmental degradation, and immigrants, stressing that "We need to be increasingly committed to resolving the structural causes of poverty" and emphasizing overlooked spiritual care.
- Leo urged Catholics not to abandon almsgiving, saying it has fallen out of fashion, and on Thursday praised Catholic Charities USA Network for their migrant work amid frozen federal funds.
- Against rising inequality, the exhortation warns of a wealthy elite and market ideologies, recalls Alan Kurdi's plight amid US immigration policy, and urges using science and technology for good.
19 Articles
19 Articles
‘Dilexi te’: A brief guide for busy readers
Pope Leo XIV published Thursday the first apostolic exhortation of his pontificate, an appeal for renewed dedication to serving the poor and relieving poverty.Pope Leo XIV at his inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025. Credit: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.The approximately 20,000-word text Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), issued Oct. 9, follows Pope Francis’ similarly titled October 2024 encyclical Dilexit nos (“He loved us”).ShareWhat’s the genesis of the ne…
A document of the Pope, usually located in the middle field on the scale of importance. However, in this case: very important, because it is the first document of Leo XIV.
Pope's 1st doc 'Dilexi te' stresses needs of the poor
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued his first official dogma document, the Apostolic Exhortation "Dilexi te," (He Loved You), a wide-ranging call to address poverty in all its forms that embraces a project begun by Pope Francis. (ANSA)
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