Pope Francis issues Apostolic Letter on the 400th anniversary of St. Francis de Sales’ death: ‘Everything Pertains to Love’

The Apostolic Letter ‘Totum amoris est’ issued by Pope Francis on the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales is a powerful reminder of the saint’s enduring legacy. In a time of great changes, St. Francis de Sales was able to help people seek God in charity, joy, and freedom. His teachings on love, devotion, and spiritual life continue to inspire and guide believers today.

Pope Francis highlights the importance of seeking God in the heart and in history, as St. Francis de Sales did. The saint’s emphasis on desire and discernment as well as his theology immersed in prayer and community are essential lessons for all Christians. His optimism and approach to spiritual direction, marked by charity and dialogue, are qualities that we can all strive to emulate.

The Pope also reflects on the importance of true devotion, emphasizing that it is not limited to quiet and secluded settings but is meant for everyone in every situation. True devotion is a manifestation of charity and a genuine love of God that should be lived out in accordance with our own vocations.

Ultimately, Pope Francis reminds us that the Christian life is about discovering the joy of loving, with the source of this love being the life of Jesus Christ. St. Francis de Sales’ example teaches us that the Christian life is never without ecstasy, but this ecstasy is inauthentic without a truly Christian life. The balance between truth and justice, pleasure and responsibility, spontaneity and law is essential for living a fulfilling and authentic Christian life.

As we commemorate the life and teachings of St. Francis de Sales, let us be inspired to seek God in charity, joy, and freedom, just as he did. May we embrace his legacy of love and devotion, and strive to live out our faith with authenticity and joy.