Upon learning of the death of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, what spontaneously came to mind were his outstanding efforts to build a new South Africa on the solid basis of truth, reconciliation and peace.

In one of his famous speeches Mandela boldly said: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Personally speaking, Mandela is a faithful life interpreter of what St Paul writes to the Romans: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).

In his condolence telegram which Pope Francis sent to President Jacob Zuma of South Africa he aptly praised Mandela for his “steadfast commitment … in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens”.

Do I firmly believe that praying and doing good to my enemy is, in fact, the best way of promoting human dignity?