On the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli tutti, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a public invitation for reflection. The statement encourages Americans to consider the value of every human life and to recognize Christ in all people, including those with opposing political views.

Archbishop Broglio stated: “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. We should also put into practice those behaviors that can help us begin to heal the rifts between us.”

He opened his reflection with a prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth.”

Drawing on his experience as shepherd to military service members and their families, Broglio noted the impact of violence both abroad and at home. He said that military chaplains work to help servicemembers and their families heal from war’s wounds—a ministry he described as life-changing. He observed that acts of violence have become common in places once considered safe such as schools, universities, and churches.

Broglio referenced Fratelli tutti by Pope Francis: “Five years ago, in his encyclical Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis outlined steps our world must take to rebuild a sense of communion in the wake of what he described as ‘shattered dreams.’ As the encyclical prophetically points out, people are being manipulated ‘to serve as tools for domination, as meaningless tags that can be used to justify any action.’ 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. This happens when we refuse to see the face of Christ in the other person and only see an enemy that must be dominated or destroyed. Tragically, decent people of every political persuasion 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.”

The archbishop highlighted Pope Francis’ message on reconciliation: “The wisdom Pope Francis offers reminds us that ‘authentic reconciliation does not flee from conflict but is achieved in conflict, resolving it through dialogue and open, honest and patient negotiation.’ ‘The path to social unity,’ he stresses, ‘always entails acknowledging the possibility that others have, at least in part, a legitimate point of view… even if they were in error or acted badly.’ Building peace in our nation ‘requires us to place at the center of all political, social, and economic activity the human person from conception to natural death…’”

Archbishop Broglio’s invitation calls for Americans across divides to reflect on personal responsibility regarding polarization while urging practices aimed at healing divisions.