Tag Archives: Pacem in Terris

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 … Continue reading →

Today in Pacem in Terris, authority and morality are all tied up together: 136. Now, if one considers carefully the inner significance of the common good on the one hand, and the nature and function of public authority on the … Continue reading →

First a word of hope: 132. No era will ever succeed in destroying the unity of the human family, for it consists of (people) who are all equal by virtue of their natural dignity. Hence there will always be an … Continue reading →

Today in Pacem in Terris, we begin Part IV, treating the “relationship of people and political communities with the world community” Let’s read: 130. Recent progress in science and technology has had a profound influence on (our) way of life. This … Continue reading →

Do you think there was really a sense in the early 1960’s that diplomacy offered more in the settling of disputes than weapons of war?: 126. (People) nowadays are becoming more and more convinced that any disputes which may arise between … Continue reading →

Human unity is grounded in something more than a biological commonality. Christ makes us one, not necessarily by salvation, but by our common redemption: 121. All (people) are united by their common origin and fellowship, their redemption by Christ, and their … Continue reading →

A brief section today on a nation’s freedom from oppression by other nations: 120. Furthermore, relations between States must be regulated by the principle of freedom. This means that no country has the right to take any action that would … Continue reading →

Summing up the Church’s approach, and Pope John’s personal one, to ending the arms race and promoting peace: 117. We therefore consider it Our duty as the vicar on earth of Jesus Christ—the Saviour of the world, the Author of … Continue reading →

Unfortunately, greed and passions of powerful minorities overrule the hopes of most human beings. Pope John attempts to utilize reason: 114. Here, then, we have an objective dictated first of all by reason. There is general agreement—or at least there should … Continue reading →

Few listen, but three popes have said it: 112. Hence justice, right reason, and the recognition of (human) dignity cry out insistently for a cessation to the arms race. The stock-piles of armaments which have been built up in various countries … Continue reading →

The discouraging days of the Cold War are over, but Church teaching on military build-up is still with us: 109. On the other hand, We are deeply distressed to see the enormous stocks of armaments that have been, and continue … Continue reading →

Two sections today that address the situation of refugees. First, Pope John notes that refugees, while lacking residence in their homeland, indeed have rights. 105. For this reason, it is not irrelevant to draw the attention of the world to the … Continue reading →

Pope John calls out political powers (one hesitates to call it leadership) who have oppressed people to the point of making migration from home a necessity: 103. The deep feelings of paternal love for all (hu)mankind which God has implanted … Continue reading →

Agriculture and other resources: the problem with international conflicts is that imbalances are not handled well. Planet Earth currently produces enough food to feed every living human being. Where we fail is in the distribution. 101. As everyone is well … Continue reading →

The post title doesn’t quite go far enough with this important concern. Let’s read: 100. Furthermore, the universal common good requires the encouragement in all nations of every kind of reciprocation between citizens and their intermediate societies. There are many … Continue reading →