Pope Francis recalled the 60th anniversary of the encyclical Pacem in Terris of Saint John XXIII and affirmed that it is a current document that expresses the desire for peace among all peoples, still in force in the midst of the more than 40 wars and conflicts that are happening on the planet today.
The Holy Father recalled that 11 April had been the 60th anniversary of the eighth and last encyclical of Saint John XXIII, who would die two months later.
It is a document that he addressed ” to the Church and to the world at the moment of greatest tension between the two blocks facing each other in the so-called Cold War,” Pope Francis explained.
With it, John XXIII “opened before everyone the broad horizon in which one can talk about peace and build peace: God’s plan for the world and the human family. That Encyclical was a true blessing, like a glimpse of serenity in the midst of dark clouds”, the Holy Father expressed, in Italian, at the end of his catechism.
He also stressed that the message of Saint John XXIII “is very current. ” For this reason, he quoted this passage: “Relations between political communities, like those that exist between men, should not be regulated by resorting to the force of arms, but in the light of reason, that is, in truth, in justice, in active solidarity”.
At the same time, he invited all men and women of goodwill to read Pacem in Terris, and prayed that the “leaders of nations allow themselves to be inspired by it in their projects and decisions.” In particular, he urged the faithful to persevere in prayer “for the tormented Ukraine. Let us pray for all that Ukraine suffers”.
Pope Francis insisted on practicing the Gospel of Peace, “that peace that Christ knows how to give more and better than what the world gives.”
In this sense, he recalled that on April 16 the Church will celebrate “Mercy Sunday.” “The Lord never ceases to be merciful: let us think of the Mercy of God that he always welcomes us, always accompanies us, he never leaves us alone,” he added.
Lastly, his thoughts turned to the young, the sick, the elderly and the newlyweds. “I invite you to live this Easter season with your gaze directed to the Risen Christ, who sacrificed himself for us and for our salvation.” Then he imparted the apostolic blessing on him.
It should be remembered that the encyclical Pacem in terris (Peace on earth) was published on 11 April 1963, on Holy Thursday. Two years earlier the Berlin Wall had been erected.
In addition, 6 months before the publication of the document, while the Second Vatican Council had just opened in Rome, the world was facing the danger of nuclear war due to the Cuban missile crisis.