Pacem In Terris 138: Public Authority Instituted by Common Consent and Not Imposed by Force

Speaking of any world authority …

138. But this general authority equipped with world-wide power and adequate means for achieving the universal common good cannot be imposed by force. It must be set up with the consent of all nations. If its work is to be effective, it must operate with fairness, absolute impartiality, and with dedication to the common good of all peoples. The forcible imposition by the more powerful nations of a universal authority of this kind would inevitably arouse fears of its being used as an instrument to serve the interests of the few or to take the side of a single nation, and thus the influence and effectiveness of its activity would be undermined. For even though nations may differ widely in material progress and military strength, they are very sensitive as regards their juridical equality and the excellence of their own way of life. They are right, therefore, in their reluctance to submit to an authority imposed by force, established without their co-operation, or not accepted of their own accord.

Today, there is even more of a specter of imposition by economic interests. We are likely further away from this kind of reality, mostly because of the immoral behavior of the largest and more powerful nation-states of the past half-century. Additionally harmful is the perception that international corporations are above the law.

About catholicsensibility

Todd lives in Minnesota, serving a Catholic parish as a lay minister.
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