Encyclical Fratelli tutti of the Holy Father Francis on fraternity and social friendship

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On October 3, day of the “Transitus” of St. Francis, the Holy father signed at the Tomb of the saint of Assisi his third encyclical entitled “All Brothers”, where he proposes a new world order, with the poor at the center.

It is a text that challenges all Christians. In that document there are several elements that we could relate specifically to the journey of the Marist Institute. Immediately, we identify two:

1) The Rule of life published last year, begins with the phrase “There is great value in being a BROTHER today!” This Marist conviction is also reflected in the encyclical. To highlight the Pope’s reflection, we could, for example, quote the question that he asks in number 103:

• “What happens when fraternity is not consciously cultivated, when there is a lack of political will to promote it through education in fraternity, through dialogue and through the recognition of the values of reciprocity and mutual enrichment?”.

2) The last General Chapter called us to walk as a Global Family. In this regard, the Pope, meditating on the parable of the Good Samaritan, invites us to reflection (102):

• “What would be the reaction to that same story nowadays, in a world that constantly witnesses the emergence and growth of social groups clinging to an identity that separates them from others? How would it affect those who organize themselves in a way that prevents any foreign presence that might threaten their identity and their closed and self-referential structures?”.

You can read here the encyclical letter in our 4 languages (English | Español | Français | Português). Other languages are available on the Vatican website.