Universal Fraternity… for all nations
A striking move, the United Nations General Assembly, last December, chose the date of 4 February to celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity. This is a concrete consequence, at the global level, of Pope Francis' meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayeb exactly two years ago, on 4 February 2019. On that occasion, a joint declaration by the two religious leaders condemned violence and terrorism and invited men and women everywhere to live in fraternity.
During his audience on Wednesday, 3 February, the Pope announced, "I am very happy that the nations of the world are united in this celebration, which aims to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Therefore, tomorrow afternoon I will take part in a virtual meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and with other personalities".
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, has written to the superiors of religious congregations, inviting them to take advantage of this International Day to promote the encyclical Fratelli tutti.
Watch the video prepared by
the Pontifical Council for this occasion.
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Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation.
Let us pray for the Pope, so that in the exercise of his mission, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him by Jesus, always with the help of the Holy Spirit.
