The Vatican unveiled the long-awaited encyclical Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis on 4 October 2020, coinciding with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. This Q&A explains what an encyclical is and explores the significance of Pope Francis’ message for the future we aim to build.
- What is an encyclical?
An encyclical is a formal letter from the Pope, sent to Catholic churches worldwide. It is addressed by the Holy Father in Rome to Catholics globally and often to all people of goodwill, including non-Catholics who may be interested in its content. Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti is directed to “brothers and sisters all.”
Papal encyclicals examine issues relevant to the faithful in light of the Gospel and the Church’s Tradition. Past popes have addressed topics such as the interpretation of Scripture (Leo XIII, 1893) and human dignity and redemption (John Paul II, 1979).
Since 1891, many encyclicals have responded to social movements and calls for change, such as workers’ struggles during the Industrial Revolution (Leo XIII, 1891), the need for peace after World War II (John XXIII, 1963), and the global financial crisis (Benedict XVI, 2009). These later documents are key to Catholic Social Teaching.
Read the full encyclical here.
- The encyclical was published on Saint Francis’ feast day. Who was Saint Francis?
Saint Francis, born in Assisi in the late 12th century, is the patron saint of ecology and, along with Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s patron saints. He, along with Saint Clare, founded religious orders such as the Franciscan Order and the Poor Clares. The Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance, later called Secular Franciscans, comprised laypeople and clergy who followed Franciscan values in daily life without religious vows.
Saint Francis is renowned for embracing poverty, simplicity, and his connection to nature, cultivating harmony with all of God’s creatures. Often depicted surrounded by birds and animals and wearing a rough wool tunic, he is admired for sowing peace and serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, as Pope Francis highlights in Fratelli Tutti.
A major inspiration for Pope Francis’ encyclical was Saint Francis’ visit to Sultan Malik-el-Kamil in Egypt during the Crusades, an act of Christian love to resolve conflict between Christians and Muslims. As Pope Francis notes, despite the wars and division of his time, Saint Francis welcomed peace into his heart and freed himself from any desire for power.
- What does Fratelli Tutti mean, and why does Pope Francis use this Italian phrase?
Fratelli Tutti translates to “all brothers and sisters” and originates from the Admonitions of Saint Francis of Assisi. The Admonitions provided guidance for monks in the religious orders founded by Saint Francis. Pope Francis refers to point 25 of the Admonitions, where Saint Francis calls for a love that transcends distance and geography, declaring blessed those who love their neighbour from afar as much as when they are nearby.
Pope Francis’ earlier social teachings, Laudato Si’ (meaning “Praise be to You” in ancient Umbrian) and Querida Amazonia (“Beloved Amazonia” in Spanish), also used vernacular languages rather than Latin, making them accessible to the people most affected by the issues discussed.
- Why was this encyclical released now?
The global pandemic brought attention to issues that Catholic social encyclicals have addressed for over a century. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic “exposed our false securities.” He notes that while countries responded differently to the crisis, the lack of international cooperation highlighted the fragmentation within our interconnected world, complicating efforts to solve shared problems.
The Pope, alongside other Church authorities, has commented on the lessons of the pandemic and how society can emerge stronger. Throughout August and September 2020, Pope Francis delivered a series of teachings as part of a Catechesis on “healing the world,” culminating with the release of Fratelli Tutti, a global call for solidarity.
- What are the central themes of this encyclical?
Fratelli Tutti offers a profound challenge, providing a framework for a post-pandemic world. It places human dignity at the heart of societal progress, echoing the theme of interconnectedness that was central to Laudato Si’. Before its release, Pope Francis stated that human fraternity and care for creation are the foundations of integral development and peace.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is central to Fratelli Tutti, offering a guide for judging every political, economic, and social action. It challenges us to act as neighbours and help those in need, regardless of their background.
A key conviction of the encyclical is that love for all people extends to the political sphere. Love, Pope Francis insists, must be at the core of our political decisions. Politics should serve the common good, not just personal relationships, making it one of the highest forms of charity.
Fratelli Tutti calls for new forms of solidarity to address global crises. The Pope urges us to welcome migrants, combat racism and discrimination, and resist political nationalism, economic inequality, and consumerist individualism.
