(ZENIT News / Roma, 06.02.2024).- Pope Francis is set to publish a new apostolic exhortation focusing on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as revealed by the Spanish Episcopal Conference. The announcement was made following a private audience with the Pope on Friday, May 31, at the Vatican.
Cardinal José Cobo, Archbishop of Madrid, along with Monsignor Luis Argüello, President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, and Monsignor Francisco García, addressed the press in St. Peter’s Square after the meeting. Monsignor Arguello disclosed that Pope Francis mentioned his intention to release the exhortation soon. Given that the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus falls on June 7 this year, it is anticipated that the document could be published within the first week of June.
Historical Context of Pontifical Documents on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been a significant aspect of Catholic spirituality, nurtured and emphasized by various popes throughout history. These pontifical documents have provided theological insights and spiritual guidance to the faithful.
- «Annum Sacrum» (1899) – Pope Leo XIII
In 1899, Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical «Annum Sacrum,» consecrating the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This document highlighted the devotion as crucial for strengthening faith and charity among believers. Leo XIII emphasized the Sacred Heart as a symbol of Christ’s boundless love and a source of grace and mercy for humanity. The global consecration was seen as a significant act to address the spiritual challenges of the time and renew Christian life.
- «Miserentissimus Redemptor» (1928) – Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI, in his 1928 encyclical «Miserentissimus Redemptor,» focused on the theme of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He stressed the necessity for the faithful to perform acts of reparation for humanity’s sins, which deeply wound the Heart of Christ. Pius XI underscored that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not only an expression of love and gratitude but also a means of actively participating in redemption through acts of penance and reparation. This encyclical was a call to combat secularism and the drift away from faith with deeper, committed devotion.
- «Haurietis Aquas» (1956) – Pope Pius XII
In 1956, Pope Pius XII released «Haurietis Aquas,» a profound theological reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pius XII delved into the biblical and theological foundations of the devotion, presenting the Sacred Heart as the ultimate symbol of Christ’s redemptive love for humanity. The encyclical explored how this devotion is rooted in Scripture and Church tradition and encouraged the faithful to practice it with fervor and consistency. Pius XII viewed the devotion as a source of spiritual renewal and strength in facing the modern world’s challenges.
Pope Francis’s forthcoming exhortation is expected to build on this rich tradition, offering contemporary reflections and guidance on venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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