The Season of Creation 2021 was the occasion for two talks on major encyclicals of Pope Francis. The first talk, ‘the Cry of Creation’, concerned the 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ on ‘care for our common home’. The second, on 2nd October 2021, considered Fratelli Tutti, on ‘fraternity and social friendship’, signed by Pope Francis in 2020 in Assisi. Both talks were given by Fr Ashley Beck, associate professor at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, an expert in Catholic Social Teaching.
In this second study day, entitled ‘The Cry of the Poor’, Fr Ashley first recalled the context, with links to the rise of nationalism and the covid pandemic. The overall theme of the encyclical letter was inspired by St Francis of Assisi and his vision of humanity as brothers and sisters ‘regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives’ (1).
The first chapter ‘Dark Clouds over a Closed World’ refers to many disappointing features of the current international scene, and in particular the rise of populism and the apparent reluctance to build positive relationships between nations. The pandemic has revealed an inbuilt selfishness, when rich nations are reluctant to help the poor. Borders are erected and slavery is a world-wide phenomenon. Despite ease of communication people grow further apart. Nevertheless, God sows seeds of goodness and hope.
After a concentrated reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan and its enduring relevance, Pope Francis explores the features of an ‘open world’, which values every person and builds up solidarity, between people and nations, with their diverse origins and beliefs. A new ‘culture of encounter’ is needed, which is exemplified in the February 2019 meeting with the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, which led to the ‘Declaration on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’, which is quoted at the end of the encyclical. Religions must always be at the service of fraternity, never justifying violence.
Fundamentally, hearts must be changed. The work of Fratelli Tutti begins at the local level.
At the end of the session Fr Ashley dealt with a wide variety of questions relating to the encyclical.