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Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a pastoral invitation for people to reflect on how they treat others with whom they disagree politically.
The message was released for the fifth anniversary of Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship. Fratelli tutti was published on October 3, 2020.
In the message, Broglio remarked that in his role leading the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, he "know(s) the pain that the violence of war inflicts on men and women and those closest to them."
Today, he said, "grievous acts of violence have intruded into the daily lives of too many Americans — an experience that, tragically, many civilians around the world have long endured."
Archbishop Broglio alluded to the shooting at Annunciation School, the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, and the attack on a Latter-day Saints meetinghouse as examples of how these acts of violence have become far too common.
"Places once regarded as safe harbors to grow and learn — our schools, universities, and churches — have become sites of heartbreaking tragedy and bloodshed," he said.
In Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis warned that people were being manipulated "to serve as tools for domination, as meaningless tags that can be used to justify any action," said Broglio, something he called prophetic.
"We have seen the manifestation of this notion in the perverse idea that one can serve the common good by becoming an instrument of violence," he said, something that is caused when "we refuse to see the face of Christ in the other person and only see an enemy that must be dominated or destroyed."
This, said Broglio, happens across political lines, and people of all beliefs "continue to fall victim to this deadly trend."
"Too much of everyday life is strained by hostility and division, which has resulted in shocking acts of political violence," he said.
All children
To counter this mentality, and in the spirit of Fratelli tutti, Americans need to "reflect on the value of every human life," said Broglio.
"I beg you to see Christ in every person, even those whose politics you oppose. Each of us should examine our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions and ask ourselves how we contribute to the polarization and animosity plaguing our nation," he said.
One way people can help to heal these rifts is to "consider performing a corporal work of mercy," said Broglio. These include feeding the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, or sheltering the homeless. Alternatively, a person could "consider fasting from social media for one day a week or in the evening."
"Pray for your enemies," said Broglio. "Listen and talk with those you with whom you disagree—especially within your own family. Disagree, debate civilly, stand for your rights, but always remember in your heart that we are all children of God and deserve dignity and life."
