Church Fathers’ quotes on faith in the interpretation of pope Francis in the encyclical letter Lumen fidei

The first Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis, commencing with the word “Lumen fidei”, contains valuable statements of the Church Fathers on the topic of faith. The Holy Father examines and interprets them in the context of his own reflections. He quotes St. Augustine (11 times), St. Irenaeus of Lyons (3 times), St. Justin and Origen (each 2 times) and the Epistle of Barnabas, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Leo the Great and St. Gregory the Great. The texts of the Church Fathers, cited by the Pope, are focused on four main themes. The first is related to the way, that leads a man to faith, which is born through love looking for truth. Therefore, there is a deep relationship between two realities – fides et ratio. Faith finally demands to be shared with others, and is transmitted in the community of the Church. She is strengthened by the fact, that it bears fruit, and will change the lives of those, who believe