Category Archives: Fratelli Tutti

If you want to review the goings on of this document, click here. Pope Francis finishes up with two prayers, one that joins our hearts and intentions with those of believers of any faith: A Prayer to the Creator Lord, … Continue reading →

Do you know Charles de Foucauld? He is a vitally important person to get to know. 286. In these pages of reflection on universal fraternity, I felt inspired particularly by Saint Francis of Assisi, but also by others of our … Continue reading →

Pope Francis begins his wrap-up of Fratelli Tutti with an important appeal, first, reiterating that all religions must agree to a simple shared baseline of peace: 285. In my fraternal meeting, which I gladly recall, with the Grand Imam Ahmad … Continue reading →

284. At times fundamentalist violence is unleashed in some groups, of whatever religion, by the rashness of their leaders. From a speech early in his papal ministry: Yet, “the commandment of peace is inscribed in the depths of the religious … Continue reading →

As Aretha Franklin might advise, it is all about respect: 283. Sincere and humble worship of God “bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of … Continue reading →

The notion of thought of watering down Christian belief as part of a dialogue with non-Christians is … well, fake news. Abandoning our convictions still happens, though independently of the conversations we might have with others. 282. It follows that … Continue reading →

Today, a brief word on the possibility of peace, and the deep, deep likelihood that we will find a surprising Matthew 21:31 moment at the end of time: RELIGION AND VIOLENCE 281. A journey of peace is possible between religions. … Continue reading →

Let’s not think of unity as an exclusively Roman Catholic thing in the face of real or imagined threats of schism, disagreements, a Left/Right divide, and so on. (Though that petition for confessional unity is important.) 280. At the same … Continue reading →

279. We Christians ask that, in those countries where we are a minority, we be guaranteed freedom, even as we ourselves promote that freedom for non-Christians in places where they are a minority. It makes sense that Christians should always … Continue reading →

278. Called to take root in every place, the Church has been present for centuries throughout the world, for that is what it means to be “catholic”. Or universal. She can thus understand, from her own experience of grace and … Continue reading →

What is “Christian identity”? This is important in acknowledging how we are distinctive in the world. Are we just an institution? A country club? First, let’s recall how we view other “families” in the world: 277. The Church esteems the … Continue reading →

Can the Church just mind its own business and stay out of human affairs? Well, no. Our people are part of human affairs, and lay people bring their own faith-formed expertise to bear. We can’t be separated from our values.  … Continue reading →

275. It should be acknowledged that “among the most important causes of the crises of the modern world are a desensitized human conscience, a distancing from religious values and the prevailing individualism accompanied by materialistic philosophies that deify the human … Continue reading →

Today, more people than ever discount the role of religion in the right order of human society. Pope Francis would suggest that religion can be contaminated by selfishness and non-religious aims. We see that when politics and religion mix, as … Continue reading →

The Holy Father quotes Pope John Paul II from his 1991 anniversary encyclical following up on Rerum Novarum (1891). It’s a long quote, but a good one: 273. In this regard, I wish to cite the following memorable statement: “If … Continue reading →