This powerful encyclical is Pope Francis’ ‘cry from the heart’ to all people of the earth to see beyond their differences-indeed to work with their differences-and begin to grow together to build a new and peaceful world. This remarkable document comes from a pastor’s heart, setting forth Francis’ vision for a new church and new world, against the backdrop of a catastrophic pandemic that has spared nothing and altered everything.
Returning again and again to themes he has developed throughout his papacy, Pope Francis speaks of the need for equality and justice for all, cooperation, caring for the most vulnerable, doing the hard work of learning to listen to and accompany others, and caring for the earth that nurtures and sustains us all.
Read slowly and reflectively, Pope Francis’ message here is full of divine and human wisdom for every person.