Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship

Throughout his third encyclical,Fratelli Tutti("All Brothers"), Pope Francis reflects overlying a topic of great importance: human solidarity and friendship. Pope Francis first greeted the world with the words fratelli e sorelle -- "brothers and sisters" -- following his election to the papacy. Into this encyclical, he continues to address all men and women as his brothers and sisters, calling us to consider what our common brotherhood requires of us.

Pope Francis has shown repeatedly that he is dedicated to promoting friendship among all people.Fratelli Tuttifollows his 2019 signing of the Document over Human Fraternity into Abu Dhabi. And at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic among March 2020, Pope Francis prayed for the salvation of all people within his extraordinary "Urbi et Orbi" address within an empty St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father calls us to live out our Christian duty to see the face of Jesus inside our neighbors, recognizing everyone we meet as a brother or sister. Inside this encyclical, Pope Francis reminds us of our "(blessed) common belonging." By fostering a genuine affection for all, we reaffirm the dignity of every human character created into the image and likeness of God.