Deus Caritas Est – The Encyclical Letter<br/><br/>
On January 25, Pope Benedict XVI issued his first encyclical to the Church with the title Deus Caritas Est. The content can be separated into two parts – the first part reflects on love in its origin, while the second part highlights how the Church should practise love in serving the world and those in need with charity and justice.<br/><br/>
The Pope writes: “The conception of love for humanity today leans towards 'erotic love' (love of attraction) instead of 'agape' (unconditional love which is sacrificial and with respect for others).” The Pope provides a way to achieve a balance between the two: to emphasize the relationship between oneself and God; and to understand God’s love for mankind through the suffering of Christ. The Pope says, “If we do not come to know the relationship between God and self, then it will be difficult to recognize God in others.”<br/><br/>
The important point in the second part of the encyclical is that the Church cannot and must not take upon herself to bring about the most just society possible as it is the political responsibility of the State. The Church's role is to awaken the spiritual energy of its adherents through teachings that reflect the spirit of the gospel. And it can never use its social service to the community as a means of engaging in what is nowadays considered proselytism”.<br/><br/>
Lastly, the Pope encourages Catholics to pray frequently. From past experience, the Church has relied on the power of prayers to resolve many difficult issues from different parts of the world.