Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, titled “Fratelli Tutti,” in English, “All Brothers,” on fraternity and social friendship. In it, he addresses how to face the world after this pandemic.
He signed it in Assisi. It was the pope's first time leaving the Vatican since the beginning of the health emergency.
The pope first celebrated Mass in the chapel of the basilica that houses the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi. He was accompanied by the convent community.
As Pope Francis desired, his entire visit took place without the presence of pilgrims and in strict adherence to anti-coronavirus measures.
“Fratelli Tutti,” in English “All Brothers” is Pope Francis' third encyclical, after “Laudato si'” and “Lumen Fidei.” As he did with “Laudato si,” whose title is in old Italian, the pope once again chose an Italian, instead of Latin, title for this encyclical.
This is the pope's fourth visit to the city of St. Francis. His first visit was in 2013. Then he returned twice in 2016, in August and September.