“Deus Caritas est,” might be the first Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI

Rome, Italy, Dec 1, 2005 / 22:00 pm

The Italian daily “La Stampa,” announced today that the Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, that other source already mentioned would be versed in the theme of Charity, could be released in the beginning of January, probably on January 6, day of the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

Again according to La Stampa, the Encyclical will bear the date of December 8, 2005, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, an emblematic date not only for its Marian character, but also because it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the closing of the Vatican II Council.
A source in the Vatican, commented to CNA that the date of release announced by La Stampa is only an approximation because  the Holy See usually doesn’t  release important document on holidays, as the Epiphany is at the Vatican or in many European countries. “It is more probable that the Encyclical will be released later in January, although the exact date is given only a few days before,” said the source.

The title of the Encyclical, again according to La Stampa, centered on the theme of Christian  Charity and the Love of God will be “Deus Caritas est,” (God is Love), taken from the fourth chapter of the First Letter of Saint John.