Definitely worth reading

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	Related article: • God is love     Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical     teaches us about love and challenges     us to live it

Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love"), is worth some general comments.

First, the encyclical is highly readable. As Card. Joseph Ratzinger, the new pope was highly regarded for his clear and understandable writings. That talent has not left him as pope. Anyone accustomed to struggling through some of Pope John Paul II's encyclicals will be pleasantly surprised with this one.

Second, the encyclical is down-to-earth. The pontiff explains his concept - God is love - extends that to us and then discusses how we are obliged as Christians to receive and give that love to God and others.

Third, this is not a condemning encyclical. As prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Card. Ratzinger had a reputation as an enforcer. As pope, he's more of a charmer. Anyone expecting to see blunt warnings or denunciations of specific behaviors will be surprised. It's not even a "tough love" document.

Fourth, don't just rely on someone else's spin on the encyclical. Read it for yourself. It's posted on the U.S. Bishops' website at www.usccb.org.