Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship

In his third encyclical, Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis reflects on a topic of great importance: human solidarity and friendship. Following his election to the papacy, Pope Francis first greeted the world with the words fratelli e sorelle — “brothers and sisters.” In 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 tutti follows his 2019 signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. And at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Pope Francis prayed for the salvation of all people in his extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” address in an empty St. Peter’s Square.

The Holy Father calls us to live out our Christian duty to see the face of Jesus in our neighbors, recognizing everyone we meet as a brother or sister. In 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 person created in the image and likeness of God.

The OSV edition includes discussion questions, which are perfect for individual or group study.