FRATELLI TUTTI: ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP

Pope Francis’s third encyclical is inspired by the life and example of St Francis of Assisi, his love for the poorest and his openness to all. The text was completed during the global Coronavirus pandemic and speaks to the possibility that through it we may rediscover a sense of common humanity. The Pontiff begins with an analysis of those trends which militate against fraternity and friendship in the world and responds through an in-depth exegesis of the parable of the Good Samaritan, calling us to follow his example of care for others no matter where they are from. Pope Francis sends out a clarion call to discover new ways of engaging in politics, society and religion that are grounded in a culture of encounter and friendship rather than fear and self-interest.