By Katharine E. Harmon, October 9, 2025
The translated text of Pope Leo’s first Apostolic Exhortation appeared today, titled Dilexi te: I Have Loved You: On Love for the Poor.
This document takes up the work of Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who had been preparing this work at the end of his life. The Exhortation flows from the October 2024 encyclical, Dilexit Nos: On the Human and Divine Love of Jesus Christ.
As Leo XIV writes, “I am happy to make this document my own — adding some reflections — and to issue it at the beginning of my own pontificate, since 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” (DT 3).
Leo walks us through Jesus’ choice for the poor–seen in Scripture–and points us to the Church’s love for the poor over its unfolding history: mendicant traditions inspired by St. Francis, the work of Benedictine monasteries as houses of refuge and stability, the missions of saints in forging education for the poor, the work of deacons in service, and the Church’s continual call to accompany migrants and refugees.
Leo then places this history of charity and justice in coordination with the Church’s tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, Conciliar documents, contemporary liberation theology, and the work of popular movements.
In fact, the very recognition of systems which suppress the poor, and our compassionate response, must be “popular”–just as prominent as our right and duty to participate in our worship. As Leo writes: “All the members of the People of God have a duty to make their voices heard, albeit in different ways, in order to point out and denounce such structural issues, even at the cost of appearing foolish or naïve. “
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV concludes with a consideration of “almsgiving”–a practice which, as he describes, is “not looked upon favorably even among believers” (DT 116).
He says this:
“Almsgiving at least offers us a chance to halt before the poor, to look into their eyes, to touch them and to share something of ourselves with them. In any event, almsgiving, however modest, brings a touch of pietas into a society otherwise marked by the frenetic pursuit of personal gain.”
Almsgiving invites us to encounter another–an offering, however meager and modest, or unworthy in the face of such massive suffering.
Yet offer the Church should and must–if we take our desire to be the Body of Christ seriously. We respond to a missionary’s account as we fumble in our pockets and purses or Mass. We visit Catholic Relief Services after learning of the latest news we’ve heard or seen or scrolled. We connect with social services who respond to the needs we’ve witnessed in our very cities and streets. Whatever we do, giving alms gives us “a way of reaching out and touching the suffering flesh of the poor” (DT 119).
It’s the not doing which deadens the heart.
So Leo asks us to give to the poor–of time, talent and treasure. But start with giving of the greatest treasure. Give of your heart. Make room in your heart for the poor–care for their needs will surely follow.