FRATELLI Tutti, Pope Francis's third encyclical letter, was published last October.
A typically detailed and thoughtful document, it is laced with the concerns and priorities characteristic of Francis and has at its heart a plea for fraternity, friendship and unity.
It opens with a thorough critique of contemporary society, with Covid-19 casting its shadow.
The Pope's analysis of a broken, disconnected world is made all the more urgent by the pandemic, which has exposed "our false securities".
He points to "new paths of hope", drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan to call people of good will to "bear the pain of other people's troubles rather than fomenting greater hatred and resentment".
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In his assessment, which has drawn the appreciation of no less an authority than the encyclical's author, the Rev Dr Norman Hamilton said he found much to admire.
"I was very impressed with his huge vision of a better and much fairer world," wrote Dr Hamilton in Faith matters on October 15.
"He constantly explores themes of human dignity, fundamental human rights, the common good and solidarity across the world."
Dr Hamilton continued: "Another crucially important global theme (about which there has been remarkably little discussion here in Northern Ireland) is that of migration, where the Pope calls for 'A heart open to the whole world'."
He noted that Pope Francis was "graciously clear on the limitations of his letter", calling it a "modest contribution".
"Such humility is itself worthy of real appreciation, not least because locally and globally, few leaders seem to value this particular quality," observed Dr Hamilton.
However, he identified "a core difficulty": "It is strong on analysis, but rarely is there any handle offered on how to bring about the massive changes envisaged."
In his commentary on the encyclical, Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said it was a "timely and provocative" reminder of the "message of love that is at the heart of the Gospel - a love which reaches out to all of our 'brothers and sisters' who share our common humanity".
"These days we speak about social distancing during the pandemic," he said.
"Perhaps the real social distancing is the way that the great majority of people in the world can get on with their lives seemingly oblivious or 'anaesthetised' to the tremendous suffering, inequality and neglect of the poor and the most vulnerable among us."
