Pope Francis released his sixth his encyclical letter today after visiting the Umbrian town of Assisi. In fact, he officially signed the letter at the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi after celebrating Mass at the tomb of the poverello yesterday. This letter is an exploration into human relations, friendship, and social teaching. It is a kind of relational theological anthropology. I would highly commend this letter to readers even if you are not Roman Catholic, Christian, or a person of faith; because it addresses being human. No doubt it is from a perspective. It it addresses themes and questions like:
Why all the dark clouds on the horizon of our world? What does it mean to be human? Who is a stranger? What is the “good life”? What does it look like in practice to be open? How do I relate with others? How might we imagine a new way of engaging politically? With people I don’t agree with, etc.? What is a friend? And how might we deepen dialogue?
I found that the above video on The Pilot – a Roman Catholic News source – offers a helpful summary, of his piece, and lovely video of the Pope signing his letter.
As you will see that letter begins with the Pope ascribing its title to Saint Francis of Assisi…”Fratelli Tutti” A phrase the Pope suggests, St Francis would use when addressing his brothers and sisters. This title is causing a little bit of a stir in the English speaking world as it translates more or less “All Brothers.” The male language is a problem. Of course I can appreciate the intent, yet the gendered name of the encyclical feels like a misstep in my opinion. In a way, I can relate. I grew up in the midwest of Canada during the 1980’s. I grew up saying “you guys.” At the time I thought nothing of it. I didn’t consciously intend it to exclude, but I did. Gendered language in English speaking contexts is a real problem. Such language continues to exclude. In my own experience, it takes some intentional retraining to pivot away from such gendered language. Personally, I wish the encyclical bore a more inclusive title, as its content is vital for our times.
But I highly commend this this letter.
Peace, dwight
