Pope Leo has taken up the last reflections of Pope Francis in order to promulgate his first message to the faithful in a magisterial document: Dilexi Te. It is an apostolic exhortation on the heart of the Gospel: the embrace of the poor.
The document is above all a compendium of how the whole history of the Church -- from the Old Testament, through Jesus as "the poor Messiah," to the early centuries of Christianity through 2,000 years of witness of the saints -- is devoted to the poor.
In an addition undoubtedly his own, Pope Leo gives a lengthy reflection on St. Augustine's teaching on the poor, saying they are a "sure light."
The document begins:
1. “I HAVE LOVED YOU” (Rev 3:9). The Lord speaks these words to a Christian community that, unlike some others, had no influence or resources, and was treated instead with violence and contempt: “You have but little power … I will make them come and bow down before your feet” (Rev 3:8-9). This text reminds us of the words of the canticle of Mary: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty” (Lk 1:52-53).
Dilexi te contains 121 paragraphs in five chapters, and, as a Vatican summary notes, "re-proposes the Church’s social teaching, especially that of the past 150 years, as 'a veritable treasury of significant teachings' concerning the poor."
For the Bishop of Milan, almsgiving is justice restored, not a gesture of paternalism.
Regarding Augustine, he says in part:
Augustine’s spiritual guide was Saint Ambrose, who insisted on the ethical requirement to share material goods: “What you give to the poor is not your property, but theirs. Why have you appropriated what was given for common use?” For the Bishop of Milan, almsgiving is justice restored, not a gesture of paternalism. In his preaching, mercy takes on a prophetic character: he denounces structures that accumulate things and reaffirms communion as the Church’s vocation.
Formed in this tradition, the holy Bishop of Hippo taught for his part about the preferential love for the poor. A vigilant pastor and theologian of rare insight, he realizes that true ecclesial communion is expressed also in the communion of goods. In his Commentaries on the Psalms, he reminds us that true Christians do not neglect love for those most in need: “Observing your brothers and sisters, you know if they are in need, but if Christ dwells in you, also be charitable to strangers.” This sharing of goods therefore stems from theological charity and has as its ultimate goal the love of Christ. For Augustine, the poor are not just people to be helped, but the sacramental presence of the Lord.
Education, immigration, medical care
Pope Leo notes certain categories of charity that have characterized the Church's ministry through the millennia. In each one, he highlights saints who have been heroes.
He points out medical care, education, attention to prisoners, and care for immigrants.
He also notes what John Paul II called the "structures of sin," and calls for continued efforts to mitigate their effects.
Charity has the power to change reality; it is a genuine force for change in history. It is the source that must inspire and guide every effort to “resolve the structural causes of poverty,” and to do so with urgency.
The Holy Father speaks of ideologies, economic models, and laments a disdain for assisting the poor.
The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges.
He affirms:
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.
