Preferential option for the poor

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35)

Brigidines  welcome Pope Leo’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te, which was released by the Vatican on 9 October 2025.
The Latin phrase “Dilexi te” means “I have loved you.”
The phrase is a quote from the Book of Revelation (3:9) and emphasizes the preferential love for those who are most vulnerable.
Pope Leo’s message, to the Church and the world, builds on Pope Francis’ legacy, affirms our Gospel- centred call,  speaks of poverty as exclusion, unemployability, loneliness and inequality – and calls urgently for inclusion, encounter, respect and welcome.

“The dignity of every human person must be respected today – not tomorrow.”
( Dilexi te 92 ) 

 

READ the full Document:  Pope Leo XIV – Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te on Love for the Poor

Consider: A reflective explanation of the essence of Dilexi te  offered by CAFOD UK:  CAFOD UK Dilexi te Oct ’25

 

 

“… we are challenged to listen and
respond to the cry of all life, pleading,
‘Am I
not your neighbour?’ “
(Invitation & Call 2022)