Reading the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, I found a point which I think is very interesting and I want to share it through this article. The point makes us understand that the horizons of Pope Francis’ mind and heart, are those of the whole world. In fact, he says that as he was writing this document, he was inspired and encouraged not only by the great Saint of Assisi, but also by the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyed and by many letters, documents, and considerations that he received from individuals and groups throughout the world.
As for Saint Francis, Pope Francis selected the counsel in which “Saint Francis expressed the essence of a fraternal openness that allows us to acknowledge, appreciate, and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives” (n. 1). Other points through which Saint Francis inspired Pope Francis are the following: “Wherever he went, the Saint of Assisi sowed seeds of peace and walked alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm and the outcast, the least of his brothers and sisters (n. 2). “Saint Francis urged that all forms of hostility or conflict be avoided and that a humble and fraternal ‘subjection’ be shown to those who did not share his faith” (n. 3). “Francis did not wage a war of words aimed at imposing doctrines; he simply spread the love of God” (n. 4).
As for the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Pope Francis met him in Abu Dhabi, and together they signed a document with the title, Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. (Abu Dhabi 4 February 2019). In that document we read: “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters.” The document presents other great themes that Pope Francis took up and developed in the Encyclical Letter.
The fact that Pope Francis receives so many letters, documents, and considerations from all over the world is not a secret. The humility with which he considers everything he receives in the conviction that he can learn something valuable even from the least of his brothers and sisters is also well-known.
Another point that reveals to us the mind and the heart of Pope Francis as being in touch with the whole world is n. 6 of the Encyclical in which he says: “Although I have written it from the Christian convictions that inspire and sustain me, I have sought to make this reflection an invitation to dialogue among all people of good will.” Pope Francis has shown his openness to all in the most spontaneous and enthusiastic way, and it seems that this great attitude of his has attracted many men and women to Christ and to the Church.
While Pope Francis was writing this document, “the Covid-19 pandemic unexpectedly erupted, exposing our false securities” (n. 7). Most of the mass media throughout the world repeatedly stated that the bishop of Rome was the leader who, more than anybody else, had the courage to lament the inability to work together in responding to the crisis. At the same time, he invited all the world leaders to eliminate all kinds of fragmentation in their action to resolve the problems affecting the whole of humanity. He also invited all to act together in real communion for this world to become a better place to live in not only for some people but for all.
In 2020, Pope Francis wrote and published the book Ritorniamo A Sognare (Let us go back to dreaming). In this book, he invites all men and women to look far and to open roads towards a better future. The theme of ‘dreaming together’ is also present in the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, where it is described as a privileged way “to turn our life into a wonderful adventure. Let us dream then as a single human family, brothers and sisters all together” (n. 8).
We hope and pray for this miracle to happen!
