Pope Benedict XVI has set the tone for his papacy with the release of his first encyclical, about human and divine love and the relationship between the two.
It places charity and love at the heart of the Catholic Church's activities in a world where religion is too often associated with hatred and violence.
The encyclical, called 'Deus Caritas Est' (God is Love), praises the positive aspects of erotic love and human desire within the context of a greater spiritual love.
The main themes of the encyclical are love and charity.
In its 70 pages, the Pope discusses the relationship between 'eros', or erotic love, and 'agape', the Greek word referring to the unconditional, spiritual, selfless love taught by Jesus.
The Pope has said he chose to dedicate his first encyclical to the theme of love because the world today had become so abused.
He said in a speech on Monday that he wanted to show the concept of love in its various dimensions and the role of eros in a fully rounded relationship of mutual and self-giving love between a man and woman in life-long marriage.
The second part of the encyclical is dedicated to the theme of charity, the need for Catholics to do charitable works and support international aid organisations.
The encyclical was due to have been published last month but was delayed by a series of additions, deletions and changes after observations from various Vatican departments and cardinals who had read a draft.
Pope John Paul wrote 14 encyclicals during his nearly 27-year reign, including several so-called social encyclicals on themes such as the rights of workers and the relationship between the superpowers during the Cold War.
Pope Benedict has said he does not expect to write as much as his predecessor.
