Rector's message marking the anniversary of the Fratelli tutti encyclical
On the anniversary of the Fratelli tutti encyclical
Today marks the anniversary of the publication of the Fratelli tutti encyclical by the Holy Father. Centred around the idea of universal fraternity, an intrinsic value to the Christian purpose for organizing society, the Encyclical presents a proposal of faith that is simultaneously social, cultural, political and economic. At a time of upheaval caused by a global pandemic that was foreseeable, but not anticipated, Fratelli tutti emphasises the awareness of a single humanity, that divisive projects systematically seek to undermine.
Encouraging us to hope against discouragement, to believe in humanity that is imperfect but constantly capable of overcoming itself, the Pope challenges us to dream and to act accordingly. "Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all". (FT, 8)
With the pandemic passing, we feel that this is the time for reconstruction, for a renewal of faith, united to the common purpose of contributing to a better world. Posing a holistic awareness of the serious problems afflicting humanity (global warming, the biodiversity crisis, deepening systemic poverty, worsening conflicts, social disruption), Fratelli tutti is a call to action, because there is no time to waste. And each one of us is an agent of change, in the way we take responsibility for this common purpose and in the way we establish coalitions for joint action. The message of social love, inspired by the Franciscan model, assumes itself as a "force capable of inspiring new ways of approaching the problems of today’s world" (FT, 183). In assuming this debt to humanity, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa is committed to take concrete action to inspire and build a world where none of our brothers and sisters will be left behind.
Isabel Capeloa Gil
Rector
October 3, 2021