Pope Francis has announced that he will be publishing a document in September dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He expressed his intention to use this document to shed light on the path of ecclesial renewal and to offer a significant message to a world that appears to have lost its heart. The Pope made this announcement during his first General Audience in June, which is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
During his address, Pope Francis referenced the 350th anniversary of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on December 27th. He mentioned that celebrations for this devotion have been taking place worldwide and will continue until June 27th next year. For this reason, he shared that he is preparing a document that will compile valuable reflections from previous magisterial texts and the long history dating back to the Holy Scriptures. The Pope aims to reintroduce this devotion to the entire Church as a source of spiritual beauty.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of meditating on various aspects of the Lord’s love that can guide ecclesial renewal and offer a meaningful message to a world in need of rekindling its heart. He invited believers to accompany him in prayer during the preparation period with the goal of releasing the document in September.
In addition to highlighting the document dedicated to the Sacred Heart, Pope Francis renewed his call for prayers for peace in the world during the General Audience. He requested the faithful to join him in praying for peace, especially in regions experiencing conflict, such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar. The Pope prayed for the Lord’s intervention to grant the gift of peace and alleviate the suffering caused by wars worldwide.