Pope Francis – January 2022

As much as 67% of the world’s population lives in countries where the right to religious freedom is denied. “How can we allow that in this society, which is so civilized, there are people who are persecuted simply because they publicly profess their faith?” If we allow what makes us different to separate us, we will lose sight of something fundamental: “As human beings, we have so many things in common that we can live alongside each other, welcoming our differences with the joy of being brothers and sisters.” Let us follow the advice the Pope gives us in his January prayer intention: “Let us choose the path of fraternity.” “How is it possible that many religious minorities currently suffer discrimination or persecution? How can we allow that in this society, which is so civilized, there are people who are persecuted simply because they publicly profess their faith? Not only is it unacceptable; it’s inhuman, it’s insane.       Religious freedom is not limited to freedom of worship—that is to say, that people can have a worship service on the day prescribed by their sacred books. Rather, it makes us appreciate others in their differences and recognize them as true brothers and sisters. As human beings, we have so many things in common that we can live alongside each other, welcoming our differences with the joy of being brothers and sisters.   And may a small difference, or a substantial difference such as a religious one, not obscure the great uniformity of being human beings, the great unity of being brothers and sisters. Let us choose the path of fraternity. Because either we are brothers and sisters, or we all lose. Let us pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.”