Pope Francis issued his fourth encyclical titled “Dilexit Nos” denouncing a world that is losing its heart amidst global turmoil marked by wars, socio-economic disparities, and dehumanizing uses of technology. The document calls on the faithful to meditate on Jesus’ love in a world where consumerism and algorithms obscure humanity. The pope did not specifically cite global turmoil but often refers to conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza in his speeches and prayers.
The pontiff expressed concern over the indifference towards suffering on both sides of conflicts, warning that a world that fails to see the intolerable in such situations has grown heartless. He criticized consumer-driven societies dominated by technology, noting that algorithms make thoughts and wills predictable and manipulable. In an era of artificial intelligence, Francis emphasized the importance of poetry and love in saving humanity.
The encyclical is the latest in a series of documents addressing social and environmental issues, with his best-known one being “Laudato Si” in 2015. It was issued to coincide with the anniversary of St. Margaret Mary Alocoque’s apparition, spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The pope’s message highlights the need for a return to an interior life amidst the distractions of modern society, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our humanity in the face of technological advancements and global conflict.
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