It’s a matter of cultural wealth:
134. Indeed, when we open our hearts to those who are different, this enables them, while continuing to be themselves, to develop in new ways. The different cultures that have flourished over the centuries need to be preserved, lest our world be impoverished.
Healthy cultures evolve and grow:
At the same time, those cultures should be encouraged to be open to new experiences through their encounter with other realities, for the risk of succumbing to cultural sclerosis is always present.
One important engine that fuels growth is dialogue. What is needed is an ability to be silent and listen–on any side and from any person.
That is why “we need to communicate with each other, to discover the gifts of each person, to promote that which unites us, and to regard our differences as an opportunity to grow in mutual respect. Patience and trust are called for in such dialogue, permitting individuals, families and communities to hand on the values of their own culture and welcome the good that comes from others’ experiences”.[Address to Authorities, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina(6 June 2015): L’Osservatore Romano, 7 June 2015, p. 7]
All citations of Fratelli Tutti (which can be found on this link) are © Copyright – Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Catholic Sensibility 