By Lavoisier Fernandes –
When I first heard that Pope Leo XIV was preparing to release his first Apostolic Exhortation, I was genuinely curious. What would the tone of his pontificate be? Would he continue the legacy of Pope Francis, or set out on a completely different path?
Then I saw the title: Dilexi Te — “I Have Loved You.” And right away, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another official Church document. It felt more personal, more intimate. This was a letter shaped by the hands and hearts of two Popes.
In the introduction, Pope Leo explains that Pope Francis had been working on the text before his passing. Pope Leo then completed it, blending his own reflections with those of his “beloved predecessor.”
I’ll be honest—I’ve only skimmed the document so far, and it clearly deserves a slow, prayerful read. But even from that first glance, I can say this: Dilexi Te hit me hard. It’s beautiful. It’s challenging. And it leaves you feeling hopeful.
Here are 10 takeaways that stood out to me.
- To Love God Is to Love the Poor
“Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the poor… contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history.” (Par. 5)
This is the heartbeat of Dilexi Te. Pope Leo doesn’t treat love for the poor as an optional extra or something just for those involved in social work. He makes it clear: if we love God, then we must love the poor—not out of guilt or obligation, but because that’s where Christ is found.
This kind of love isn’t optional. It’s the measure of true discipleship.
- God’s Preferential Love Is About Justice, Not Exclusion
“This preference never indicates exclusivity… It is meant to emphasize God’s actions, which are moved by compassion toward the poverty and weakness of all humanity.” (Par. 16)
Some people are put off by the phrase “preferential option for the poor,” as if it implies the Church loves some people more than others. But Pope Leo clears that up beautifully. God’s preference for the poor doesn’t mean others are forgotten—it simply reflects God’s justice and mercy. Like any loving parent, He turns first to the child who is hurting most.
- There Are Many Forms of Poverty
One of the things Dilexi Te does so well is expand our understanding of what poverty actually is. Material poverty is real and urgent, yes—but Pope Leo also names:
- Moral and spiritual poverty
- Social exclusion and discrimination
- Cultural alienation
- Illness and vulnerability
- Lack of freedom and dignity
This was a wake-up call. There are people around us suffering in quiet, invisible ways. Poverty isn’t always obvious—and we’re called to notice.
- The Poor Evangelize Us
“The poor are not simply the object of our charity—they are agents of evangelization who help us rediscover what really matters” (Par. 44)
Usually, when we think of evangelization, we think of what we’re doing for others. But Dilexi Te flips that idea.
The poor evangelize us—not through words, but through their perseverance, trust in God, and the way they live with dignity in the face of struggle. Their witness leads us to conversion. It brings us back to the heart of the Gospel.
- Love Is Liturgical
“When the Church kneels beside a leper… she fulfills her deepest vocation: to love the Lord where he is most disfigured.” (Par. 52)
Pope Leo connects charity to worship, saying that acts of mercy—visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the dying—are not separate from the liturgy. They are the liturgy.
I was reminded that holiness isn’t just in candles and hymns. It’s in hospital beds, soup kitchens, prison visits, and street corners.
- Education as a Right, Not a Favor
“For the Christian faith, the education of the poor is not a favor, but a duty.” (Par. 72)
Too often we treat helping someone access education as a nice thing to do. But Pope Leo sees it as a matter of justice. Education upholds dignity. Denying it is a form of oppression.
Supporting schools, mentoring young people, offering time and resources—these aren’t simply good deeds. They’re part of our responsibility as Christians.
- Migrants Are the Face of Christ
“Where the world sees threats, she (the Church) sees children… in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door.” (Par. 75)
Here, Pope Leo sounds especially close to Pope Francis—and I mean that in the best way. The Church can’t speak credibly about the Gospel while ignoring the suffering of migrants and refugees.
This isn’t just politics. It’s the heart of our faith. If we turn away from those seeking refuge, we’re turning away from Christ Himself.
- Love Is Not Weak—Needs to be grounded in reality
“Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies…… love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it…….A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today”(Par. 20)
Pope Leo reminds us of that real wisdom often comes from the margins—from those to whom are rarely listened. That includes the laity, the poor, and those living out their faith in difficult, messy places.
These voices aren’t optional. They’re essential. They challenge the Church to remain grounded in reality.
- The Margins Are the New Centre
“Reality is best viewed from the sidelines, and the poor are possessed of unique insights indispensable to the Church.” (Par. 82)
I found this line incredibly challenging. Pope Leo says the Church’s social teaching has always been shaped not just by theologians or beautiful writing, but by those who live at the edge of society—by the laity, by the poor, by the religious who lived among the wounded.
Their perspective isn’t a footnote—it’s essential.
How often do we really listen to them when shaping our parishes, our ministries, our priorities?
- We Can’t Wait Until Tomorrow
“The dignity of every human person must be respected today, not tomorrow.” (Par. 92)
This final call to urgency left an impression on me. Pope Leo anticipates those who might say, “It’s complicated,” or “We need more time.” But he doesn’t leave room for delay.
Justice postponed is justice denied. The time to act is now.
Whether that means helping a neighbour, speaking out against injustice, or simply getting involved—it must start today.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith, thanks to his Salesian schooling. He’s passionate about podcasting, theology, the papacy, and volunteering. He has hosted ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM, Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both the Church and society. He has also been a host on Shalom World Catholic TV for two episodes of the ‘Heart Talk’ series. He presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine Renevacao.