Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia has issued a statement welcoming Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”). The letter from the pope calls for renewed Christian commitment to supporting the poor through charity and by addressing systemic causes of poverty worldwide.

In his statement, Archbishop Pérez described the exhortation as significant and timely. He highlighted that Pope Leo XIV traces the Church’s historical ministry to those in need and emphasizes Catholic Social Teaching on the rights and dignity of the poor. Archbishop Pérez quoted the pope: “the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor,” which is considered an essential “path to holiness.”

Archbishop Pérez said he shares Pope Leo’s vision for the Church as a vessel of Christ’s compassionate love. He expressed hope that Dilexi Te will inspire renewal within both Church and society. He also cited Pope Leo XIV’s words: “A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.”

The archbishop encouraged all members of the Church in Philadelphia—including bishops, clergy, religious, and laypeople—to read, reflect on, and pray about the message offered by Pope Leo XIV.

The full text of Dilexi Te is available in English at https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20251004-dilexi-te.html and in Spanish at https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/es/apost_exhortations/documents/20251004-dilexi-te.html.