Universal Fraternity and Global Institutions, Kenneth Himes, OFM
Date Published: August 20, 2025
In this final installment of the Franciscan Wisdom series, Br. Ken Himes, OFM, a theologian and professor emeritus at Boston College, makes note of the late Pope Francis’ emphasis on a global "polycrisis" involving wars, climate change and other challenges, emphasizing the need for effective global institutions and universal fraternity rooted in human dignity.
Br. Ken emphasizes that the Church is called to embody unity by affirming the dignity of every person and transcending borders, inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan. From the Franciscan perspective, he surmises, this entails engaging with international organizations to promote structural justice, reflecting the idea of fraternity alongside liberty and equality.