It’s a simple phrase, “Fratelli tutti,” yet it carries the weight of centuries and the echo of a profound invitation. San Francisco de Asís, a figure whose life continues to inspire, used these words to address everyone, proposing a way of life steeped in the Gospel. What strikes me most about his message is its radical embrace of love that transcends physical distance. He spoke of happiness found in loving one's neighbor, whether they were near or far. This isn't just about proximity; it's about recognizing the inherent dignity in every person, regardless of where they were born or where they call home.
Francisco, a saint of fraternal love, simplicity, and joy, is the very spirit that moved me to write Laudato si’. Now, he inspires me again to dedicate this encyclical to fraternity and social friendship. He saw himself as a brother to the sun, the sea, and the wind, but even more so, he felt a deep connection to his fellow human beings. He was a peacemaker, walking alongside the poor, the abandoned, the sick, the discarded – those on the fringes of society.
There’s a story from his life that truly illustrates this boundless heart, a heart that knew no borders of origin, nationality, color, or religion. His journey to meet Sultan Malik-el-Kamil in Egypt was no small feat. Imagine the challenges: his own poverty, limited resources, the vast distance, and the barriers of language, culture, and faith. This was during the era of the Crusades, a time marked by conflict. Francisco’s pilgrimage was a testament to the expansive love he sought to live, a desire to embrace all people. His fidelity to his faith was matched by his love for his brothers and sisters. He went to the Sultan not to provoke or to argue, but with the very attitude he asked of his disciples: to be “subject to every human creature for God’s sake,” without denying their identity. In that historical context, this was an extraordinary request. It’s remarkable that eight hundred years ago, Francisco urged people to avoid aggression and conflict, and to live with humble, fraternal submission, even towards those who didn’t share their beliefs.
He didn’t engage in theological battles or impose doctrines. Instead, he communicated the love of God, understanding that “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God” (1 John 4:16). He became a fertile father, awakening the dream of a fraternal society. As he understood it, true fatherhood comes from embracing others in their own journey, not to hold them captive, but to help them become more fully themselves. In a world then filled with watchtowers and protective walls, where cities endured bloody wars between powerful families and miserable peripheries grew, Francisco found true peace within himself. He shed any desire for dominance, became one of the last, and sought harmony with everyone. His life has been a guiding light for these reflections.
Matters of fraternity and social friendship have always been close to my heart. I’ve spoken about them often in various places over the years. This encyclical aims to gather many of those thoughts and place them within a broader context of reflection. Just as my brother Bartholomew, the Orthodox Patriarch, was a significant inspiration for Laudato si’ with his strong advocacy for caring for creation, I found particular encouragement for this work from the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. Our meeting in Abu Dhabi was a reminder that God “has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters.” This wasn't just a diplomatic gesture; it was a dialogue, a shared reflection, and a joint commitment. This encyclical builds upon the significant themes we explored in that document. I’ve also incorporated, in my own words, numerous letters and documents filled with insights from people and groups around the world.
The pages that follow aren't meant to be a dry summary of doctrine on fraternal love. Instead, they aim to delve into its universal dimension, its openness to everyone. I offer this social encyclical as a humble contribution to our collective thinking. In a world facing diverse and pervasive ways of excluding or ignoring others, may we be moved to respond with a new dream of fraternity and social friendship – a dream that goes beyond mere words. While I wrote this from...
