On October 4, 2025, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV formally signed his first apostolic exhortation, titled “Dilexi te” (“I Have Loved You”). The signing took place at 8:30 a.m. in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, in the presence of Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. The document is scheduled to be publicly presented on October 9 at a press conference.
The timing of the signing is deeply symbolic: it took place on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a canonized figure known for his radical embrace of poverty, compassion for the marginalized, and spiritual simplicity.
What Dilexi te May Represent
While the full text is yet to be unveiled, media and Vatican insiders suggest several guiding themes and intentions behind Dilexi te:
A Focus on the Poor & Marginalized
Observers believe the document will emphasize the plight of the poor, aligning with Pope Leo’s long history of missionary work in impoverished regions. It’s viewed as a continuation of the social and spiritual priorities championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis.Continuity & Renewal
Dilexi te is reportedly a document that was begun under Pope Francis and polished by Pope Leo a kind of handing-of-the-torch moment. In many ways, this continuation underscores the unity of papal authority across transitions and themes.A Call to Choose Justice Over Wealth
In a related address, Pope Leo spoke on the danger of letting material possessions dominate one’s life. He quoted Jesus’ warning: one cannot serve both God and money. The broader expectation is that Dilexi te will engage with questions of inequality, wealth distribution, and moral stewardship.Spiritual & Pastoral Inspiration
As an exhortation, the document is likely not to define new dogma, but rather to guide the faithful inspiring renewal, reflection, and more concrete acts of charity and justice. Many hope it will challenge complacency and call for deeper solidarity in today’s fractured world.
Why This Moment Matters
First Document of His Papacy
The first official text by a new pope often carries outsized symbolic weight. It gives early hints about priorities, style, and tone for the years ahead.Bridging Two Papacies
Because Dilexi te traces back to Pope Francis’ final months, it helps bridge continuity rather than rupture, easing concerns among reform-minded Catholics about sudden shifts.Global Context
As the Church faces challenges from global inequality, climate change, migration, and secularism, a reaffirmed focus on the poor can provide moral clarity and pastoral direction.Invitation to Discipleship
By centering love (“I have loved you”) and action, the exhortation has the potential to call all believers into a more engaged, outward-facing faith.
Final Reflection
Pope Leo’s signature on Dilexi te is more than a ceremonial act : it's a declaration of intent. By choosing a day honoring St. Francis, completing a project begun by Francis, and building on themes of love, poverty, and justice, Leo seems to be signaling his desire for a papacy grounded in both tradition and compassion. As believers and onlookers await the full text, one thing is clear: the Church is being invited, again, to open its arms to the suffering, to listen to the marginalized, and to live not in luxury, but in love.
