The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo will publish his first major papal document, an apostolic exhortation titled Dilexi Te (“He Loved You”), on October 9 — marking a defining moment in the early months of his pontificate.
According to Vatican officials, the document—signed by the pope on Saturday—will likely outline the new pontiff’s pastoral vision and priorities for the 1.4 billion members of the global Catholic Church, with a particular focus on the needs of the poor.
While details remain under wraps, sources within the Vatican told Reuters that Dilexi Te continues the thematic thread left by Pope Francis, whose final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), was published in October 2024.
The similarity in titles, they said, underscores a deliberate message of spiritual continuity between the two pontificates.
Officials revealed that the new document completes a writing project originally initiated by Pope Francis before his passing in April, after 12 years at the helm of the Church.
Pope Leo, elected as the first American pope on May 8, formally signed Dilexi Te on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a day dedicated to the 13th-century saint celebrated for his humility, simplicity, and closeness to the poor and to nature.
The symbolism was not lost on Vatican watchers. St. Francis’ legacy of compassion and poverty closely mirrors the values championed by Pope Francis, who famously rejected many papal luxuries, dined with Rome’s homeless, and consistently challenged global economic systems that marginalize the vulnerable.
In his final encyclical, Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis urged Catholics to reject what he called the “mad pursuit” of wealth and instead embrace faith, mercy, and spiritual renewal.
Observers believe Pope Leo’s Dilexi Te will build upon that spiritual foundation, setting the tone for his leadership and signaling his intent to guide the Church along a path of compassion, inclusivity, and service to humanity’s most vulnerable.
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