Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has called for a shift towards a politics of compassion and love in the wake of a challenging election season. In his message, he emphasized the need for unity among Americans and urged reflection on what such unity requires.

Cardinal Tobin highlighted that for Christians, unity is rooted in Christ and symbolized by the Pentecost experience, where diverse individuals heard the Gospel as if in their own languages. He also pointed to the U.S. Constitution as a source of unity for citizens, embodying hopes and principles that have shaped the nation over two centuries.

The Cardinal underscored that love should guide political actions—not romantic or sentimental love, but one that seeks the common good above self-interest. He referenced Pope Francis's encyclical "Dilexit Nos," which states: “In a word, if love reigns in our heart, we become...the persons we are meant to be.”

Cardinal Tobin advocated for a "political rule of the heart," inspired by Jesus's example of leadership through service and compassion. He warned against politics that diminish human worth and cautioned against societal narcissism leading to heartlessness.

Pope Francis’s words were echoed: “A society dominated by narcissism and self-centeredness will increasingly become heartless.” The Cardinal urged rejecting demonization based on differences and instead fostering mutual respect.

He encouraged reading "Dilexit Nos" to heal national wounds and promote compassionate governance at all levels. As Thanksgiving approaches, Cardinal Tobin invited prayers for establishing governance driven by emotions from the heart for the common good.

The message concluded with an excerpt from Pope Francis’s encyclical urging people to embrace their hearts as central to identity and connection with others. It highlighted how understanding reality through the heart leads to deeper knowledge and love.