PACEM IN TERRIS: On the encyclical’s anniversary, revisiting its prophetic vision | PAX CHRISTI USA

PACEM IN TERRIS: On the encyclical’s anniversary, revisiting its prophetic vision | PAX CHRISTI USA: Today is the 52nd anniversary of the papal encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth). In recognition of this day and the document’s importance for our times, we revisit a message delivered by Pax Christi International Co-Presidents Marie Dennis and Bishop Kevin Dowling at the Pacem in Terris 50th anniversary conference in Rome, October 2-4, 2013. [...]

Dear Friends,
We bring you warm greetings from Pax Christi members working for peace and reconciliation on five continents and in 60 countries. Like you, we have been deeply inspired in recent weeks by the Holy Father’s powerful leadership of the world toward a nonviolent, diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Syria. His clear opposition to the use of military force touched our members deeply, giving them courage to continue their difficult work in situations where violence threatens to overwhelm. [...]
In many ways, Pacem in Terris is the Magna Carta of Pax Christi and we strongly affirm its relevance today. Although the bipolar geopolitical context in 1963 was profoundly different from our context in these early decades of the 21st century, Pacem in Terris clearly described the kind of political, social, economic and cultural conditions that could yet generate peace on earth. ...