illustrated Deus caritas est: Of Christian Love

Deus caritas est (English: "God is Love"), subtitled De Christiano Amore (Of Christian Love), is a 2005 encyclical, the first written by Pope Benedict XVI, in large part derived from writings by his late predecessor, Pope John Paul II. Its subject is love, as seen from a Christian perspective, and God's place within all love. This text begins with a reflection on the forms of love known in Greek philosophy-eros (possessive, often sexual, love), agape (unconditional, self-sacrificing love)-and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus.