In a letter to a commemorative event observing the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, on the US holiday dedicated to him, Pope Francis said the message of the civil rights leader is ever timely.
“In today’s world, which increasingly faces the challenges of social injustice, division and conflict that hinder the realization of the common good, Dr King’s dream of harmony and equality for all people, attained through nonviolent and peaceful means, remains ever timely,” the Holy Father wrote.
Quoting his encyclical Fratelli tutti, the pope added: “Each one of us is called to be an artisan of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of dialogue.”
“In this way, we will be able to see ourselves, not as ‘others,’ but as neighbours, in the truth of our shared dignity as children of Almighty God. Only by striving daily to put this vision into practice can we work together to create a community built upon justice and fraternal love,” he said.
Pope Francis concluded invoking the divine blessings of wisdom and peace upon all who are participating in the service.
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