As Advent fast approaches, the cry from the prophet Isaiah resounds across our world with greater relevancy and urgency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the economic, political, social unrest and uncertainty across our world, together with the devastating impact of climate change on our planet and our lives.

The world is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. If recent trends continue, the number of people affected by hunger would surpass 840 million by 2030. According to the World Food Programme, 135 million suffer from acute hunger largely due to man-made conflicts, climate change and economic downturns.

Pope Francis’s prophetic new encyclical speaks directly into the lives of men and women today! This greatly welcomed encyclical is a beautiful reflection on humanity’s path forward to a deeply desired and sought-after peace. Pope Francis addresses his renewed call to universal fraternity “to all people of good will, regardless of their religious convictions.”