Zenit on "Deus Caritas Est" & C. S. Lewis' "Four Loves"

A very fine interview showing the influence of C. S. Lewis' "The Four Loves" on the methodology and choice of focus in Pope Benedict's Deus Caritas Est:

Q: In what passages in particular [are there affiniites between Pope Benedict and C.S. Lewis]?

Monda: Above all in the decision to place love at the center of his reflection, essence of Christian doctrine and, especially, in having dedicated the first part of the encyclical to the comparison and distinction between "eros" and "agape," with a brief allusion to "philia."

It is quite likely that the Supreme Pontiff recalled Lewis' splendid 1960 essay on "The Four Loves," in which the writer analyzes four kinds of love: affection; friendship -- "philia"; and, specifically, eros and charity -- "agape."

But it is not just in structure where a harmony is perceived, but also in the contents: Lewis' sharp intelligence goes to the core of the Christian faith with the same capacity of penetration of the German Pontiff, and with the same ability to illuminate, explain and give to the reader's attention.

A good read to confirm, if anything, that this Pope loves C. S. Lewis and Chesterton.