On October 4th Pope Francis released his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti, indicating the direction for a post- pandemic world, which should be infused with a common fraternity. The Pope provides hope during hardship, but he doesn’t shy away from highlighting the drastic changes that need to happen in our society, especially in our economy and in the way we treated each other and our common home. The CIDSE network, engaged in solidarity actions and embracing principles of fraternity and love, have welcomed the new encyclical which underpins and hugely encourages our work.
CAFOD, CIDSE’s member in England and Wales, issued a press release including quotes from its director Christine Allen: “This encyclical is a radical blueprint for a post-coronavirus world. Now is the time to change the framework of our economic systems, through debt relief for the poorest countries, the reduction of inequality, and investment in local, green sustainable economic development.”
CCFD’s CIDSE member in France, published an article looking at a series of 8 questions around Fratelli Tutti.
Cordaid, CIDSE’s member in the Netherlands published an article focusing on some of the key areas of Fratelli Tutti such as interconnectedness, the culture of walls, migrants and refugees, the concept of full citizenship.
Fastenopfer, CIDSE’s member in Switzerland issued a commentary by its director Bernd Nilles with Sandra Lassak and Markus Büker highlighting some of the key points raised by Fratelli Tutti such as the existing economic system as a cause of crisis, the dignity of every human being, the vision of a renewed church, the call for change and worldwide cooperation.
Manos Unidas, CIDSE’s member in Spain, published a reflection article stressing that the new encyclical of the Pope presents us with a renewed commitment in our fight for the common good. It encourages the work organisation to heal, care for, attend and above all rehabilitate the most impoverished, vulnerable, so that they can build their own future of dignity. It is an encouragement us to continue promoting a true change of consciences – an essential aspect to transform our suffering world – by placing authentic love for the other at the center of our actions.
Maryknoll, CIDSE’s member is the USA, issued a press release, a leadership statement and a study guide. Susan Gunn, Director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, said in the statement: “We welcome Pope Francis’ vision for a better world offered in Fratelli Tutti, and his call to encounter, dialogue, solidarity, peace and justice. We stand ready to do our part to bring about the necessary systemic change in our political, social and economic institutions for a more just and sustainable world for all our brothers and sisters.”
Misereor, CIDSE’s member in Germany, issued a commentary by Sandra Lassak and Markus Büker, reflecting on the symbolic place of Assisi chosen by the Pope to sign the encyclical, on the message of hope through cooperation that comes through the encyclical as well as on many other key elements of Fratelli Tutti.
Trócaire, CIDSE’s member in Ireland published an article by its director Caoimhe de Barra in which she wrote: “As the agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland working on justice and human rights in the developing world, Trócaire particularly welcomes the Pope’s thought-provoking guidance on subjects including universal human rights, conflict, the treatment of refugees and migrants, the rights of indigenous people and the need to actively pursue a ‘better’ form of politics. These are areas that Trócaire has worked on for many years and this encyclical provides further validation of that work.”
Lastly, Josianne Gauthier, CIDSE Secretary General published a blog , pointing out some of the key learnings from Fratelli Tutti: “what is clear throughout this reading is that new systems must be imagined, new ideas must be considered, new paths must be built, and the only way this will happen is if we open our hearts act together for justice, dignity, solidarity, and the common good. Peace will be possible “on the basis of a global ethic of solidarity and cooperation in the service of a future shaped by interdependence and shared responsibility in the whole human family.”