Praying Pacem in Terris

Pope John XXIII's Pacem in Terris has been one of the Church's greatest teaching tools for 50 years. As timely today as when written, Pope Francis describes it as "extremely contemporary." Addressing the establishing of universal peace in truth, justice, charity, and liberty, the encyclical's golden anniversary beckons us to ponder it in the light of faith.

As people of faith, we know that engaging in the work of Jesus Christ requires prayer. He teaches that wherever two or three or gathered in His name, He is there also. With this in mind, we invite you to join Catholics from across the archdiocese and people of goodwill in PRAYING PACEM IN TERRIS as individuals and as community.

Beginning on December 1, 2013, this inspired document will be made available throughout the archdiocese so as to allow for prayerful and thoughtful reflection in parishes, homes, and communities. To receive the weekly excerpts by email, send a request to JustPeace@archatl.com with "Praying Pacem in Terris" in the subject line.

For the week of December 28, 2014

88. So, too, on the international level: some nations may have attained to a superior degree of scientific, cultural and economic development. But that does not entitle them to exert unjust political domination over other nations. It means that they have to make a greater contribution to the common cause of social progress.

89. The fact is that no one can be by nature superior to his fellows, since all men are equally noble in natural dignity. And consequently there are no differences at all between political communities from the point of view of natural dignity. Each State is like a body, the members of which are human beings. And, as we know from experience, nations can be highly sensitive in matters in any way touching their dignity and honor; and with good reason.

For the week of January 4, 2015

90. Truth further demands an attitude of unruffled impartiality in the use of the many aids to the promotion and spread of mutual understanding between nations which modern scientific progress has made available. This does not mean that people should be prevented from drawing particular attention to the virtues of their own way of life, but it does mean the utter rejection of ways of disseminating information which violate the principles of truth and justice, and injure the reputation of another nation. (55)