Current challenges for ecclesial communities in light of “Fratelli tutti”
“Life, for all its confrontations, is the art of encounter.
I have frequently called for the growth of a culture of encounter
capable of transcending our differences and divisions” Pope Francis
Rome, 15th November 2020 – On the occasion of the World Day of the Poor, the Diocese of Rome organized a meeting on the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti.
Fr. Fabio Baggio CS, Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section, analyzed “Current challenges for ecclesial communities in light of Fratelli tutti“.
He said that “the arrival and presence of many migrants and refugees and the different reactions of host communities enable us to grasp the dangers of the throwaway culture”.
Fr Baggio explained that “throwaway culture clearly applies in the context of migration, where obvious differences make it easier to distinguish “us” from “them”.
He also underlined how the encounter is a challenge that helps us grow in humanity.
No one will ever openly deny that they are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we can show that we consider them less worthy.
For Christians, this way of thinking and acting is unacceptable. The inalienable dignity of each human person regardless of origin, race or religion, and the supreme law of fraternal love.” Pope Francis (FT)
Throwaway culture inexorably leads us to entrench ourselves in our own interests.
To save humankind and its ideals, so that it can carry out God’s creative project, Pope Francis urges everyone to promote a culture of encounter.
Read Fr. Fabio Baggio’s speech
Read the speech by H.E. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi
Read the speech by H.E. Cardinal Vicar Angelo De Donatis
Read the speech by Ms. Stefania Falasca