← News feed Pan-Orthodox

Love is not a feeling but a decision, Pope Leo XIV tells couples

September 9, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV reflects on human love in the prologue to the new edition of “ YouCat: Love Forever ,” emphasizing that it is not a fleeting feeling but rather “a decision, a journey, and a lifelong covenant.”

This version of the catechism, aimed at young people preparing for the vocation of marriage, is scheduled for release in November. The first edition of this catechism was published one week after the passing of Pope Francis in May 2025.

“Your heart longs for love, a deep, passionate, and enduring love,” notes Leo XIV, emphasizing that this desire is no accident but rather “a sign that you were created for love.”

Reflecting on this teaching, Pope Leo emphasizes that "God himself can make his presence felt within human love and transform it," such that “he endows us with the capacity to love as he loves: by serving through a generous gift of one’s self, and if necessary, by forgiving."

Regarding love between a man and a woman, the pope says it “may pierce the heart like an arrow, swiftly and impetuously,” yet it does not stop there, for “it is not an ephemeral or fleeting sentiment.”

“It is much more,” the pope adds. “It is a profound ‘yes’ to the other, a decision, a…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (1) 🌐 Show original

Helen Anderson

That part about love being a decision and not just a feeling really hit home. My own marriage lasted 18 years before we called it quits, and looking back the days it worked best were when we chose to show up and serve each other even when the warm fuzzies were long gone. The bit on forgiving as God does makes me wonder how the new YouCat edition will walk young couples through that in plain language.