A Cultura do Encontro: Palavras e Gestos em Francisco

Abstract

This study aims at understanding the emblematic expression «culture of encounter» within the framework of the Church Magisterium and witness of Pope Francis. From the beginning of his pontificate, the category «encounter» has been prominent in his discourses and, above all, in his gestures. At various times in Israel's history, words and gestures were God's chosen way of revealing himself to his people, especially through the prophets. It is therefore intended to also consider the prophetic dimension of his teachings and testimony and thus to see how the culture of the encounter is an actualization and epiphany of the Kingdom of God for our day. The approach is an analysis of how Pope Francis explains, describes and proposes the culture of encounter so as to identify its dynamism. This work will seek to verify how the same pontiff exercises and promotes the «culture of the encounter» by considering his apostolic visits outside Italy.

Keywords

• culture of encounter
• dialogue
• gestures
• pope francis
• existential peripheries