Our spirit leads us to have respect for all people

My daughters and sons, we are in favour of working peacefully with everyone, precisely because we esteem, respect and defend the enormous value of the dignity and freedom that God has given to rational creatures, from the very moment of Creation; and, even more, since God himself did not hesitate to assume human nature, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.⁴⁵

Hence, our concern is to be in contact with everyone. We are not indifferent to anyone, because neither was Jesus. This concern must always be ruled by human sensitivity that goes beyond mere social forms: it is a manifestation of our faith itself.

Friends of all

Thus it may be readily understood that this spirit of the Work has to attract the affection and the help of the very many non-Catholics and even non-Christians among whom you will live and work, and with whom you will make firm friends.