Pope Francis delivered a message of tolerance, compassion and giving during his visit to the United States last week. These ideals should be adopted by people of all faiths. Treating our fellow humans with respect and trying to understand their struggles— no matter where they come from— should be a universal ethical rule.

Renouncing extremism and being aware of how our behavior affects the environment benefits all inhabitants of Earth.

The pope’s humanistic approach bridges the gap between faith communities across the world and promotes coexistence. 

During his time in the United States, the pontiff prayed for the victims of the deadly stampede at hajj, condemned fundamentalism in all religions and criticized Catholic priests who were involved in the child abuse scandals. Such empathy and self-reflection are needed by all schools of thought and religious institutions around the world.

Pope Francis understands that we all share this planet together and that we are more connected than ever. Pain in any parts of the world affects all of us. Harm to the ecosystem in one region affects the entire world.

The pontiff, the son of immigrants to Argentina, reminded Americans that the Americas are continents of hope for newcomers. He asked Americans to curb the hostility against immigrants.

The pope urged American Catholics to build an inclusive society and reject “every form of unjust discrimination.”

These words should be heard by the Catholics of Sterling Heights who opposed building a mosque in their town.

At the same time that the pope was delivering his message of universal goodness, right-wing, self-proclaimed “Christians” were promoting deporting undocumented immigrants and denying the harm we have done to the environment in the name of religion.

The pope said we should listen to refugees’ stories, but Republican Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas, who is a Roman Catholic, said accepting refugees would create a pipeline for terrorists; and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would send all the Syrian refugees the United States accepts back to Syria if he is elected.

“Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home,” the pope said on the lawn of the White House. 

This message of hope and call for cooperation should be taken seriously by Americans and all citizens of the planet.