Encyclical Letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship
"In his third encyclical, the Pope speaks to us about a universal fraternity, open to all. In it, taking Saint Francis as a reference, he proposes a fraternity without borders of language, culture, or religion.
In Fratelli tutti, the Pope denounces new forms of selfishness, such as individualism and disregard for the common good, in a globalized and digital culture that sometimes fosters hatred, aggression, and fanaticism. Throughout its pages, he reveals a throwaway society that rejects the most vulnerable: the elderly, the young, women, and migrants.
In these lines, Francis warns us of the danger of ignoring history. While he proposes forgiveness as a solution to many conflicts, he also asserts that we must not forget past events to avoid repeating the same atrocities. Likewise, the Pope highlights the limits of populism and liberalism, emphasizing how the pandemic has exposed—among other things—the vulnerability of both the system and individuals.
In Fratelli tutti, the Holy Father encourages us to reflect and work towards creating an open world. In response to shortages and injustices, he urges us to answer with love, in a fruitful exchange that combines the local and the universal while rejecting xenophobia and racism. Finally, he exhorts us to promote dialogue and friendship, to "restore kindness" and "start again from the truth." Citing figures such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and the Founding Fathers of the European Union, he concludes that religions must never lead to hatred or violence but should serve fraternity and the building of peace."