Only love will save humanity, pope says in encyclical on Sacred Heart

Pope Francis has released a new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in which he calls on all people to turn to love as the only way to save humanity.

The encyclical, entitled "Cor Orans" (Praying Heart), is the first papal document dedicated to the Sacred Heart since Pope Pius XII's "Haurietis Aquas" in 1956.

In "Cor Orans," Pope Francis reflects on the significance of the Sacred Heart as a symbol of God's love for humanity. He writes that the heart of Jesus is "a source of infinite love and mercy, which pours out upon us and invites us to respond with love and mercy towards others." He also emphasizes the importance of prayer in our relationship with God, saying that "prayer is the key to opening our hearts to God's love and allowing it to flow into our lives." Pope Francis goes on to say that "love is the only force that can overcome the darkness of sin and division in the world." He calls on all people to "embrace the love of Christ and to let it transform our hearts and our world."

The encyclical has been welcomed by many as a timely and important message. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said that "Cor Orans" is "a powerful call to love, which is the only way to build a better world." Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles said that the encyclical is "a beautiful and inspiring meditation on the love of God."

However, the encyclical has also been criticized by some for its emphasis on love and mercy. Some conservative commentators have accused Pope Francis of being too soft on sin and of downplaying the importance of justice and punishment. Others have argued that the encyclical is unrealistic and that it ignores the harsh realities of the world.

Despite these criticisms, "Cor Orans" is a significant document that is likely to be studied and debated for years to come. It is a clear and powerful reminder of the importance of love in our relationship with God and with one another.