Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’s encyclical on fraternity, includes teaching on racism as “a virus that quickly mutates,” calling it a constant shame for humanity.  He asks why “it took so long for the Church unequivocally to condemn slavery and various forms of violence“ and criticizes those faithful who continue to “support varieties of narrow and violent nationalism, xenophobia and contempt, and even the mistreatment of those who are different.”  We are urged as people of faith to speak and preach “more directly and clearly,” to promote the understanding of the intrinsic human dignity of each human being.  The Catholic Apostolate Center reminds us that eliminating the sin of racism involves listening to others’ stories and journeys, learning about and from history, conducting a personal examination of conscience, and intentional action to change systems and structures of racism.  Pope Francis reminds us that racism is intolerable, not only among Catholics, but among mankind as a whole.  He states that “we have a great opportunity to express our innate sense of fraternity, to be Good Samaritans who bear the pain of other people’s troubles rather than fomenting greater hatred and resentment.”  The approaching Lenten season offers a unique opportunity to prayerfully reflect on these teachings and act on them in our own lives.