The year 2024 was amazing: a year of great gratitude for me, theologically, liturgically and pastorally. Including the second year of the Synod on Synodality, the beatification and canonization of some amazing blesseds and saints, several papal letters and encyclicals, the National Eucharistic Revival in our country, as well as the great National Eucharistic Congress last summer, it was a wonderful year.

So when I was asked to write an article for this journal, I came up with this duet of meditations on two moments of the past year that I personally and academically found most enriching.

The first was the publication in July 2024 of Pope Francis’ letter on literature and poetry as an essential part of ministry formation. The second was the publication of Dilexit Nos, the pope’s encyclical on devotion to the Sacred Heart, at the end of October 2024.

The past year was, for me, an embarrassment of riches. This article is a homage to the treasury proffered. It will describe the importance of these two moments, and, from this richness, it offers a symphonic crescendo to move joyfully into this year’s holy Jubilee of Hope.

A Transformative Power

In August 2024, Pope Francis released a compelling apostolic letter, “On the Role of Literature in Formation,” which explores the transformative potential of literature and poetry in shaping the Christian person. Drawing from his own experiences as a former literature teacher, Francis underscores the importance of engaging with the written word as a path to personal maturity, spiritual growth and deeper empathy. Addressed to clergy, deacons, seminarians and lay faithful alike, this letter represents a profound invitation to integrate literature into the heart of Christian formation.

Pope Francis’ letter highlights theological insights and practical implications for pastoral ministry that literature can provide. By embracing literature as a tool for spiritual enrichment and pastoral effectiveness, priests, deacons and all ministers of the Gospel can foster a deeper connection with the people they serve and cultivate their own inner life.

A Call to Read

At the heart of Pope Francis’ letter is a simple yet profound exhortation: read more. In an age dominated by screens and quick consumption of information, the pope calls for a renewed commitment to the slow, reflective practice of reading. Novels, poetry and other literary works, he suggests, offer a way to step away from the distractions of modern life and enter into a space of contemplation.

Reading, the pope suggests, is an encounter with humanity. Literature allows us to see the world through the eyes of others, to experience their joys and sufferings, and to confront the complexities of the human condition. This encounter, the pope argues, is essential for anyone engaged in pastoral ministry. By immersing themselves in stories and poems, clergy, religious and laity can develop a greater capacity for empathy — a quality that is indispensable for accompanying others on their spiritual journeys.

Literature as a Tool for Formation

Pope Francis’ letter situates literature within the broader context of Christian formation. For seminarians and priests, engaging with literature is not a luxury but a necessity: To form shepherds after the heart of Christ, we must also form readers. By encountering diverse perspectives and wrestling with complex moral and existential questions, ministers of the Gospel cultivate the intellectual and emotional maturity needed for effective pastoral care.

This emphasis on literature aligns with the pope’s broader vision of formation as holistic and integrative. Just as the liturgy forms the faithful through the rhythms of prayer and sacrament, literature forms the mind and heart through the rhythms of language and narrative. Both are means of encountering the mystery of God and the depth of the human experience.

In particular, good literature like a great poem or novel, with its evocative imagery and condensed language, invites readers to pause, reflect and enter into a deeper awareness of beauty and mystery. For clergy, engaging with poetry can be a source of inspiration for homilies and a reminder of the importance of beauty in their ministry.

On a personal note, as a professor of homiletics, I know that poetry changes a student of preaching from a slave to flat prose and platitudes into a servant of wonder and depth. I am not speaking here of simply including lines of poetry in a homily. No, much more than this. Rather, I have seen that when students begin reading poetry as part of their daily prayer, actually using a poem for lectio divina, their religious imaginations are enriched, and from that matrix homilies become incantations of praise and gratitude. I often wonder if brain synapses change.

The pope makes a telling remark about our lack of the poetic in our culture and, I would add, in our ecclesial communities: “On returning from my apostolic journey to Japan, I was asked what I thought the West has to learn from the East. My response was, ‘I think that the West lacks a bit of poetry’” (No. 22).

And at the end of his letter, the pope actually links the priest and the poet, no doubt to encourage a remedy to this apparent lack that he observes: “The affinity between priest and poet thus shines forth in the mysterious and indissoluble sacramental union between the divine Word and our human words, giving rise to a ministry that becomes a service born of listening and compassion, a charism that becomes responsibility, a vision of the true and the good that discloses itself as beauty. How can we fail to reflect on the words left us by the poet Paul Celan: ‘Those who truly learn to see, draw close to what is unseen’” (No. 44).

Empathy and Encounter

One of the central themes of Pope Francis’ letter is the role of literature in fostering empathy. He points to the example of Christ, who entered fully into the human condition, sharing in our joys and sorrows. In a similar way, reading literature allows us to enter into the lives of others, to see the world through their eyes, and to understand their struggles and hopes.

For deacons, priests and bishops, this empathetic capacity is particularly important. Whether preaching a homily, offering spiritual counsel or accompanying someone in their suffering, the ability to connect with others on a deep level is essential. By engaging with literature, pastoral ministers can develop the emotional intelligence and sensitivity needed to build authentic relationships with the people they serve.

The pope also emphasizes that literature can help bridge cultural divides and explore the depths of human experience, anxiety and hope. In a world marked by polarization and fragmentation, stories have the power to create connections and foster mutual understanding.

“In the face of these depths,” Francis writes, “literature is thus a ‘path’ to helping shepherds of souls enter into a fruitful dialogue with the culture of their time” (13).

Practical Implications

How can clergy and deacons respond to Pope Francis’ invitation to integrate literature into their lives and ministry? The letter offers several practical suggestions:

• Set aside time for reading: In the busyness of pastoral life, it can be difficult to find time for reading. Pope Francis encourages clergy to prioritize this practice, seeing it not as a distraction but as a vital part of their spiritual and intellectual growth. Even a few minutes a day spent with a novel or poem can bear fruit.
• Choose thoughtful works: The pope recommends selecting literature that challenges and inspires. Classics of world literature, contemporary novels that grapple with moral and existential questions, and poetry that evokes a sense of wonder are all valuable choices. By reading widely and deeply, clergy can expand their horizons and enrich their ministry.
• Incorporate literature into formation programs: For seminarians and those in formation, literature can be an integral part of their education. Courses on literature and spirituality, book discussions and retreats that incorporate poetry and storytelling can all help form well-rounded pastoral ministers.
• Use literature in preaching and teaching: Stories and poems can be powerful tools for connecting with an audience. By drawing on literature in their homilies and catechesis clergy can illustrate theological truths, evoke emotional resonance and engage the imagination of the faithful.
• Collaborate with artists and writers: Pope Francis’ letter also calls for greater collaboration between the Church and the arts. Clergy can partner with local writers, poets and educators to host literary events, workshops and discussions that inspire and form their communities.

A Spiritual and Pastoral Gift

Ultimately, Pope Francis’ letter is an invitation to see literature not merely as an intellectual pursuit but as a spiritual gift. Through the beauty of language and the power of story, literature has the ability to draw us closer to God and to one another. For clergy, embracing this gift can lead to a deeper connection with their own humanity and a greater ability to accompany others on their journey of faith.

As the pope reminds us in this brief epistle — which is itself a wonderful poem, an incantation in praise of language — the written word has the power to transform hearts and minds, to open horizons and to bring light into the darkest corners. By heeding his call to read and reflect, clergy can become not only better pastoral ministers but also more fully alive to the beauty and mystery of God’s creation. In a world hungry for meaning and connection, literature can be a source of nourishment and a wellspring of hope.

In this way, “On the Role of Literature in Formation” is both an encouragement and a consolation. It encourages us to make time for the slow work of reading and reflection, to engage deeply with the written word, to allow ourselves to be shaped by it and to enrich the imaginations of those we serve with beautiful language. But it also consoles us with the reminder that in the pages of a book we can find not only knowledge, but also grace, and not only stories, but also glimpses of the eternal.

Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart

In October 2024, Pope Francis released his latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), a profound exploration of divine and human love through the lens of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. The document arrives at a pivotal moment for the Church and the world, offering a compelling invitation to return to the heart — both literally and spiritually — in an age that often prioritizes intellect, technology and consumerism over compassion and relational depth. For priests, deacons and pastoral leaders, Dilexit Nos serves as a rich theological and pastoral resource, rooted in the timeless yet urgent call to embody the love of Christ in service to a fragmented world.

At the start of the encyclical, having declared that the heart of Christ is a symbol of the heart of humanity, the Pope declares: “If we devalue the heart, we also devalue what it means to speak from the heart, to act with the heart, to cultivate and heal the heart. If we fail to appreciate the specificity of the heart, we miss the messages that the mind alone cannot communicate; we miss out on the richness of our encounters with others; we miss out on poetry. We also lose track of history and our own past, since our real personal history is built with the heart. At the end of our lives, that alone will matter” (No. 11).

Reclaiming the Heart

Pope Francis begins Dilexit Nos by acknowledging the pervasive challenges of modern life. He critiques the increasing dominance of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping human relationships and interior life. While these tools offer great potential for connectivity and innovation, the pope warns that they can also lead to an erosion of what he calls the “life of the heart.” By this, he means the capacity for empathy, authentic relationships and the contemplative love that binds us to God and to one another.

The pope’s critique of consumerism is equally pointed. In a world saturated with materialism, where value is often measured by productivity and possessions, the Sacred Heart emerges as a countercultural symbol. It reminds humanity of a love that is self-giving, sacrificial and infinitely patient. Francis’ vision is clear: To heal a society “that has lost its heart,” believers must immerse themselves in the heart of Christ, drawing from its wellspring of mercy and compassion.

A Timeless Devotion

One of the most striking aspects of Dilexit Nos is its focus on renewing devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This marks a significant moment in Church history, as it is the first papal document dedicated to the Sacred Heart in nearly seven decades, far removed from Pope Pius XII’s 1956 encyclical Haurietis Aquas. While devotion to the Sacred Heart has deep roots in Catholic tradition, Pope Francis reimagines its relevance for the 21st century, presenting it as a spiritual antidote to contemporary anxieties and disconnection. Francis highlights the Sacred Heart as the ultimate symbol of divine love — a love that is not abstract but deeply personal and incarnational. The image of Christ’s pierced heart, aflame with love, invites believers to contemplate the mystery of God’s tenderness and vulnerability. It is a call to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and to embrace a heartfelt, transformative relationship with Christ.

A Pastoral Invitation

For priests and deacons, Dilexit Nos offers rich pastoral implications. The pope emphasizes that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not merely a private or individual practice but a communal and missionary call. Pastoral leaders are invited to embody the heart of Christ in their ministry, fostering a Church that is welcoming, compassionate and attentive to the needs of the marginalized. Pope Francis outlines several concrete ways to cultivate this devotion in parish life:

• Eucharistic adoration: The pope underscores the intimate connection between the Sacred Heart and the Eucharist. He encourages parishes to reinvigorate practices such as Eucharistic adoration, processions and Bene- diction, helping the faithful to encounter Christ’s love in a tangible way.

• Formation in love: Pastoral leaders are called to integrate the spirituality of the Sacred Heart into catechesis and formation programs. This includes teaching the faithful about the theological and spiritual richness of the devotion, as well as encouraging acts of charity and service inspired by Christ’s love.

• Healing and reconciliation: The Sacred Heart, as a symbol of Christ’s mercy, is particularly relevant in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pope Francis invites priests to be ministers of healing, embodying the compassionate heart of Christ for those burdened by sin or suffering.

The Heart and the Margins

One of the most moving sections of Dilexit Nos focuses on the Church’s mission to the peripheries. Pope Francis insists that devotion to the Sacred Heart must inspire a preferential option for the poor and the marginalized. He writes: “What kind of worship would we give to Christ if we were to rest content with an individual relationship with him and show no interest in relieving the sufferings of others or helping them to live a better life? Would it please the heart that so loved us, if we were to bask in a private religious experience while ignoring its implications for the society in which we live?” (No. 205).

This call resonates deeply with Fran- cis’ broader papal vision, particularly his emphasis on synodality and a Church that “walks together” with all humanity. Pastoral leaders are challenged to make the Sacred Heart a lens through which they view their ministry, prioritizing outreach to those who are often excluded or over- looked. This includes not only material poverty but also the spiritual poverty of loneliness, alienation and despair.

Devotion in the Digital Age

Intriguingly, Pope Francis connects the spirituality of the Sacred Heart with contemporary concerns about artificial intelligence and digital culture. He warns against allowing technology to diminish our humanity, emphasizing that the heart — as the seat of love and relationality — must guide the ethical use of AI and digital tools.

“In this age of artificial intelligence, we cannot forget that poetry and love are necessary to save our humanity,” he writes. “No algorithm will ever be able to capture, for example, the nostalgia that all of us feel, whatever our age, and wherever we live, when we recall how we first used a fork to seal the edges of the pies that we helped our mothers or grandmothers to make at home” (No. 20).

This perspective offers pastoral leaders a unique opportunity to address the spiritual challenges of digital life. By fostering authentic community and encouraging discernment, priests and deacons can help the faithful navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world while staying rooted in the love of Christ.

A Universal Call

While Dilexit Nos is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, its message extends beyond the boundaries of the Church. Pope Francis envisions the Sacred Heart as a universal symbol of love that speaks to all humanity, regardless of faith or background. He calls for interreligious dialogue and collaboration, urging believers to work together in building a more compassionate and just world.

This universality is reflected in the encyclical’s title, “He Loved Us,” which echoes the words of St. John’s first letter: “We love because he first loved us” (4:19). For Francis, this divine love is the foundation of all human relationships and the ultimate source of hope in a fractured world.

Dilexit Nos is more than a theological treatise; it is a heartfelt plea for the Church and the world to rediscover the transformative power of love. For priests and deacons, it offers a roadmap for pastoral ministry that is both deeply traditional and boldly contemporary. By embracing the spirituality of the Sacred Heart, pastoral leaders can help rekindle a love that heals wounds, bridges divides and brings humanity closer to the heart of God.

At the close of this letter, the pope writes: “The wounded side of Christ continues to pour forth that stream which is never exhausted, never passes away, but offers itself time and time again to all those who wish to love as he did. For his love alone can bring about a new humanity” (No. 219).

A Jubilee of Hope

A few months after the publication of these two documents, the great Jubilee of Hope was inaugurated. One might say that this was another gift that made 2024 a year of great gratitude.

Picture it: Christmas Eve, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica. I was watching the opening of the Holy Door on a livestream feed, enjoying the pageantry of the event. When the Holy Door was opened and the pope entered in his wheelchair, the wonderful liturgical and musical text started. And it was as if the two papal documents discussed above came alive in song, taking us on pilgrimage into the Jubilee of Hope.

There had been a worldwide competition for the official hymn for the Holy Year, which was won by two Italians. When the music began, I was extraordinarily taken by the hymn’s melody, which continues to fill my unconscious with a presence of hope.

It was a true piece of poetry that spoke of the heart of Christ and the heart of the pilgrimage year so that we might all walk together in hope through the holy doors of life, the holy door of the heart of Christ. The Italian lyrics, by Pierangelo Sequeri, were stunning; the music, by Francesco Meneghello, was inspiring.

And so, as I close this article, I leave you to ponder this poetry of the Jubilee Year, translated into English by two friends of mine, Albertina and Anna Novatny. May your heart be inspired by the heart of Christ to find hope in spite of war, violence and wildfires.

My hope is a burning flame
May this song arrive to You!
Eternal womb of infinite life
with each step I trust in You.

Every language, people and nation
finds light in your Word.
Sons and daughters fragile and lost
are embraced by your beloved Son.

God looks over us, tenderly and patiently:
dawn breaks upon a new future.
New Heavens Earth is made renewed:
The Spirit of Life defeats all barriers.

Raise your eyes, stir with the wind,
stop the pace: God comes, with time.
Look at the Son who has become Man:
Thousands and thousands find the way.

FATHER RICHARD FRAGOMENI, a priest of the Diocese of Albany, New York, is professor of liturgy and preaching at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in Chicago. In addition to his teaching duties, he is a preacher of parish missions and gives presentations nationally and internationally on liturgical, sacramental and catechetical topics.