Imagining Peace in Pacem in Terris and Fratelli Tutti

Abstract

The two encyclicals, Pacem in Terris and Fratelli Tutti, are presented in this article. Fratelli tutti is characterised by an ethical-relational tone, whereas Pacem in Terris is described from a rights and duties perspective. Both encyclicals offer paths to peace and fraternity and are connected by a practical and pragmatic outlook. These routes are the result of a concrete imagination that seeks to construct similarly concrete means of fostering interhuman coexistence. There is a similar practical and imaginative approach in both encyclicals. The article also demonstrates a few theoretical nodes that are unique to each encyclical and serve to distinguish and distance the two encyclicals from one another. In accordance with the belief that such a theological effort is crucial to preserve the depth and creative force of the two texts, the third part aims to deepen the theological and Christological background that underpins them. In fact, as the disciples come into contact with the person of Christ, fresh impulses are constantly released that they must navigate in order to produce fruit for the life of the world.