He defined this civic liberation as one respectful of human rights with transparent governance, an independent judiciary, a free press, properly functioning schools and hospitals, "and — most pressing — a determination born from the conversion of hearts to excise corruption".
It will take conversion of hearts to save the world from destruction.
A call to conversion of hearts and minds is at the core of Laudato si'.
The opportunity for conversion of heart seems to have passed.
"The church doesn't just preach interior conversion of heart," he added.
Mr. DiIulio also had what he called a conversion of heart and turned to the study of churches that provide community services in the poorest sections of Philadelphia.
"Recognition of the transcendent value of every man and woman favors conversion of heart, which then leads to a commitment to resist violence, terrorism, war and to promote justice and peace.
Of course, it may be that a conversion of heart will come about in time -- that the church's leadership, which urges its people to look beyond the news cycle, is changing, albeit slowly, before our eyes.
It was shortly afterward, Mr. DiIulio said, while praying at Mass on Palm Sunday in 1996, that he had an "epiphany -- a conversion of heart, a conversion of mind," that changed him from a complacent Roman Catholic to one who "took his religion seriously".
The efforts at contrition were, inevitably, limited and flawed; but the image of the white-clad pope asking for forgiveness was indelible, and it seemed possible that the process would give rise to a spirit of metanoia, or conversion of heart, in the church worldwide.
"All you got to do is listen to the radio, watch TV or read the newspapers to find out how much we need contrition, repentance, conversion of heart," he said during a Mass at St .John the Evangelist Parish on First Avenue and 55th Street, attended by about 200 staff members of the Archdiocese of New York.
