Pope Francis’ characterization of worldwide tensions based largely on race and ethnicity couldn’t be more on point. The leader of the world’s Roman Catholic community labeled it a “virus.” That is exactly how to describe widespread refusal to understand, accept, or even tolerate others who are different. And, as with viruses, the results of that ill will can be infectious and deadly.

The Pope made his observation recently at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City during a ceremony at which 17 new cardinals from six continents were inducted. He urged the cardinals to be careful about the deep-seated animus that has taken root and that has spread exponentially in recent years. “We are not immune from this,” he said. “Our pitiful hearts ... tend to judge, divide, oppose, and condemn.”

And bearing in mind persons of different races, nationalities, and beliefs, Pope Francis further urged caution against all who “raise walls, build barriers, and label people.”

He warned against casting someone as “an enemy because they come from a distant country, or have different customs. An enemy because of the color of their skin, their language, or social class.” Pope Francis added: “The virus of polarization and animosity permeates our way of thinking, feeling, and acting.”

Often this subject brings to mind immigrants. And speaking of them, among the new “princes of the church,” as cardinals are also called, was Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin. A year ago Indiana Gov. Mike Pence asked the archbishop not to take in a Syrian refugee family. However, Cardinal Tobin defied the governor — our new vice president-elect — and welcomed the Syrian refugees anyway. 

Certainly the “we” Pope Francis referred to were to those who adhere to Catholicism. However, members of Protestant and other religious groups are not free of prejudgment and the virus of polarization. The Pope’s comments are applicable to every world inhabitant, believer, and nonbeliever alike. Everyone who feels threatened by others who are different has a responsibility to not let this virus continue to spread. Pope Francis has called us all out.

First Published November 29, 2016, 5:00 a.m.