This guide encourages groups to dive deep into the key themes of “Fratelli Tutti.” Each section breaks down one theme from the encyclical, offering selected readings, a facilitated discussion guide and suggested action steps to realize Pope Francis’ vision in your community. The sections can standalone or be used in conjunction. While they are designed for communal reflection — whether in high school classrooms or parish groups — they can also be adapted for individual reflection and prayer.
Each section includes opportunities for action on a social justice issue. These include research projects for high school-age students, as well as advocacy opportunities for people of all ages.
This resource was authored and created by Marianne Gallagher and Cappy Russell, with support from the Jesuit Conference.
Download our “Fratelli Tutti” Lesson Plan for high-school age students.
What aspects of life are open to you because of who you are, where you live, your family, your ethnicity, your socioeconomic status, your gender, your sexual orientation? What aspects of life have been closed off to you because of these factors?
Read paragraphs 37 through 41 from “Fratelli Tutti” (linked here).
Does forgiveness mean forgetting? How does justice differ from vengeance? Have you ever wished someone ill out of anger?
Read paragraphs 263 through 270 of “Fratelli Tutti” (linked here).
Imagine your life 20 years from now. How did you get there? What personal, family and social structures have to be in place for you to get to this place?
Read paragraphs 121 through 127 of “Fratelli Tutti” (linked here).
What does it mean to “feel at home?” Describe a moment when you felt at home and when you experienced the opposite.
Reflect on a moment when you felt the need to be forgiven or were asked for forgiveness. What hurt, disappointment or injustice comes to mind? How did you address these feelings at the time? How would you address them now?
Read paragraphs 236 through 254 of “Fratelli Tutti” (linked here).
If someone were to ask you, “To what people do you belong?”, how would you answer?
Imagine yourself as the CEO of a successful business. What does “successful” mean to you in this context?
Read paragraphs 155 through 169 of “Fratelli Tutti” (linked here).
