VATICAN CITY, JUNE 5, 2005 (Zenit.org).- By knowing the heart of Jesus, Christians can know the love God has for every man and woman, says Benedict XVI.

"In biblical language, 'heart' indicates a person's center, seat of his feelings and intentions. In the heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love of humanity, his will of universal salvation, his infinite mercy," the Pope said before praying the Angelus today with the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father reflected on a key mystery of faith: the heart of Jesus pierced on the cross for love of humanity.

The Pope recalled that last Friday the Church celebrated the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion to which the month of June is traditionally dedicated.

"Worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus means worship of that heart which, after having loved us to the end, was pierced by the spear, and from the cross on high, shed blood and water, inexhaustible source of new life," explained the Bishop of Rome.