Deus Caritas Est

"Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love") is Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, emphasizing that love is central to Christian faith. It distinguishes two forms of love: *caritas* (selfless, unconditional love rooted in God) and *eros* (desire or romantic love). The document explains that genuine love involves both divine love and compassionate action towards others. It underscores that God's love is the foundation for human love, urging believers to embody that love through kindness, charity, and personal sacrifice, thus fostering authentic relationships and communities grounded in divine love.