Pope Leo : Without Fraternity, We Cannot Survive

Vatican City, November 12, 2025: At his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that fraternity is not just a Christian virtue but a fundamental human necessity, without which “we cannot survive, grow, or learn.” He noted that while today’s world is marked by conflict and division, fraternity remains “deeply human” and “the foundation of coexistence and mutual care.”

The Pope warned against self-centeredness, saying that when people isolate themselves, “the other is reduced to someone from whom we can take, without being willing to give.” He reminded the faithful that fraternity is not “a beautiful but impossible dream,” but rather an attainable way of life rooted in the Gospel.

Drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi’s greeting, “Omnes fratres” (“all brothers”), and Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli tutti, Pope Leo underlined that Christian fraternity flows from Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”

Recalling Jesus’ love even in suffering, the Pope said that true fraternity mirrors this self-giving love: “Brothers and sisters do not turn their backs on those in need, but weep and rejoice together in unity and trust.” He concluded that the fraternity given by Christ “frees us from selfishness and division” and renews humanity’s original calling — to live as brothers and sisters in hope and love.

Source and Image Credits : Vatican News