Long awaited first encyclical released by Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict’s XVI’s first encyclical, entitled "Deus Caritas Est," Latin for “God Is Love,” was officially released January 25, 2006.

Dated December 25, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, it considers the question of Christian love. The encyclical is divided into two long parts. The first, entitled, "The Unity of Love in Creation and in Salvation History," presents a theological-philosophical reflection on "love" in its various dimensions - "eros," "philia," and "agape" - highlighting certain vital aspects of God's love for man and the inherent links that such love has with human love. The second part, entitled "The Practice of Love by the Church as a ‘Community of Love’”, concerns the concrete implementation of the commandment to love others.

Reflecting on the new encyclical in a statement released to the public on January 27, Bishop John C. Nienstedt states:

"In addressing the central reality of God’s existence in and for the world, Pope Benedict XVI shows his ability to be a teacher of theological insight as well as of practical application. And he does so, by linking the two.

The Pope builds upon the Greek differentiation of love as eros (a physical/sexual love) and agape (a self-giving, self-sacrificing love). While the human person experiences both dimensions as body and soul, he or she is called to rediscover in these two the true self through a discovery of God. The ecstasy of eros leads one to a deep appreciation of agape. This is a reality that most parents, I believe, can readily understand as they mature from lovers to providers and guardians.

The Pope states that in Jesus Christ, the "eros-agape" tension achieves a radical expression in the gift of his physical life poured out for the salvation of his brothers and sisters. This dynamic is marvelously extended in time through the Holy Eucharist, wherein all become "one body" in Christ, joined in the love of God and in love for one another.

In the second section, the Pope goes on to explain how the works of charity in which the Church is involved and her public stands on behalf of poor, the sick and the needy flow from the revelation that "God is love." Rather than being an obstacle to human progress, Christian love is a powerful incentive to transform the interior aspect of the person by a witness to Divine love.

While the Church’s Social Doctrine does not seek to usurp the role of the State, it does offer a vital contribution to proclaiming the Truth whereby consciences are formed and the requirements of justice are maintained. The roles of Church and State are complementary, both have a contribution to make for the well-being of humanity in the service of love.

I highly recommend a reading and study of this first major address to Christian believers. While the word "love" may be terribly overused today, the reality is one that offers the only joy that endures for the human heart. Love fulfills a central need in our personal lives and, even moreso, in the life of the Church.

For a copy of the complete encyclical contact the diocesan Office of Communication, (507) 359-2966; email: dnu@dnu.org; or on the Web visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at www.USCCB.org.