For peace on the earth

At noon today, in the Sala Clementina at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the participants who are taking part in a special Meeting promoted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in celebration of the 50h anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Pacem in terris.  This encounter is taking place in Rome from October 2 to 4, 2013.

Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Fancis

to participants in the special meeting

marking the 50th anniversary of the publication

of the Encyclical Pacem in terris

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

I share with you today the commemoration of the historic Encyclical Pacem in terris, promulgated by Blessed John XXIII on April 11, 1963.  Providence has ordained that this encounter is taking place shortly after the announcement of his canonization.  I greet you all, especially Cardinal Turkson, who I thank for the words of greeting which he has offered me on your behalf.

The oldest among us remember the epoch of the Encyclical Pacem in terris very well.  It was the pinnacle of the so-called cold war.  At the end of 1962, humanity found itself on the brink of a nuclear world war and the Pope raised a dramatic and heartfelt appeal for peace, addressing his call to all those who had the responsibility of power, saying: With his hand on conscience, may the anguished cry be heard, a cry which rises from all parts of the earth, from innocent children to the elderly, from people to communities, rising toward the heavens: Peace, peace! (Radio message, 25 October 1962).  It was a cry directed toward men, but it was also a petition addressed to Heaven.

The dialogue that laboriously began then among the major blocs led, during the pontificate of another Pope, Blessed John Paul II, to the overcoming of that phase and the opening of some space for freedom and dialogue. The seeds of peace sown by Blessed John XXIII have borne fruit. Yet, in spite of walls and barriers which have fallen, the world continues to need peace and the call of Pacem in Terris remains strongly present.

But what is the foundation for building peace? Pacem in terris reminds everyone what it is: it consists in the divine origin of man, of society and of authority itself, which commits individuals, families, different social groups and states to live relations of justice and solidarity. Hence, it is the task of all men to build peace, following the example of Jesus Christ, through these two paths: to promote and practice justice, with truth and love; and to contribute, each one according to his or her possibilities, to integral human development, in keeping with the logic of solidarity.

Looking at our present-day reality, I wonder if we have understood this lesson contained in Pacem in terris. I wonder if the words justice and solidarity are only in our dictionary or if we all work to make them a reality. Blessed John XXIII’s encyclical reminds us clearly that there cannot be true peace and harmony if we do not work for a more just and supportive society, if we do not overcome egoisms, individualisms, group interests, and this at all levels.

Let’s move somewhat ahead. What are the consequences of recalling the divine origin of man, of society and of authority itself? Pacem in terris focuses on a basic consequence: the value of the person, the dignity of every human being, to be promoted, respected and protected always. And it is not only the principal civil and political rights that must be guaranteed, affirms Blessed John XXIII, but each one must also be offered the possibility of accessing effectively the essential means of subsistence – food, water, house, health care, education and the possibility of forming and supporting a family. These are the objectives that have absolute priority in national and international action and are a measure of goodness. On them depends a lasting peace for all. And it is also important that room be given to that rich gamut of associations and intermediate bodies that, in the logic of subsidiarity and in the spirit of solidarity, pursue such objectives. The encyclical certainly affirms objectives and elements that have now been acquired by our way of thinking, but we must ask ourselves: am I really in this reality? After fifty years, do they find confirmation in the development of our societies?

Pacem in terris did not intend to state that it is the task of the Church to give concrete pointers on subjects that, in their complexity, must be left to free discussion. On political, economic and social matters it is not for dogma to indicate the practical solutions, but rather for dialogue, listening, patience, respect for the other, sincerity and also willingness to rethink one’s own opinion. Fundamentally, John XXIII’s appeal for peace in 1962 sought to orient the international debate in keeping with these virtues.

The fundamental principles of Pacem in terris can guide fruitfully the study and discussion on the res novae that concern your meeting: the educational emergency, the influence of the mass media on consciences, access to the resources of the earth, the good and evil use of the results of biological research, the arms race and the national and international security measures. The global economic crisis, which is a grave symptom of the lack of respect for man and for the truth with which decisions are made by Governments and citizens, say it clearly. Pacem in terris traces a line that goes from the peace to be built in the heart of men to a rethinking of our model of development and action at all levels, so that our world is a world of peace. I wonder if we are ready to accept the invitation.

Speaking of peace, speaking of the inhuman global economic crisis, which is a grave symptom of the lack of respect for man, I cannot but remember with great sorrow the numerous victims of the umpteenth tragic shipwreck that occurred today off the shores of Lampedusa. The word shame comes to mind! It is a disgrace! Let us pray together for those who have lost their lives: men, women, children … for their relatives and for all refugees. Let us unite our efforts so that similar tragedies are not repeated! Only the determined collaboration of all people can help to prevent these tragedies.

Dear friends, may the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, help us to receive in ourselves the peace that is gift of the Risen Christ, and to work always with commitment and creativity for the common good. Thank you.