The next encyclical?

For months rumors have circulated that the next Encyclical Letter from His Holiness Benedict XVI would be of a social nature, but I've often wondered whether or not this is true. It just doesn't quite seem to fit the overall themes to which the Pontiff devotes his words. He does speak often enough of socially minded things, but often within the greater context of faith, particularly of the love of God.

Many were surprised at the topic of his first Encyclical Deus caritas est (appropriately released - if not seemingly delayed at an irritating rate - on Christmas Day); I was not. It fits perfectly well within the framework of all of his words, both spoken and written, both as Bishop of Rome and as Cardinal-theologian. Those who had read Cardinal Ratzinger couldn't help but notice the connections.

Now, newer rumors seem to be circulating as to the topic of the next Encylical: hope.

This seems much more likely to me and, frankly, much more exciting and, well, hopeful. If these new rumors are true, which I do hope they are, I will greatly look forward to the Encyclical; not so much so if it is about social things.

Pope Benedict has a knack for getting right to the heart of the issue, and what better way could he do so than to first write an Encyclical on love, then on hope, and finally on faith? I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is the plan. May God grant that it is so!

Hat tip to the American Papist. Drew at the Shrine of the Holy Whapping - always good for a laugh or an intellectual intrigue - thinks so, too.