PEACE

HOPE OF A NEW ERA OF PEACE

God loves all men and women on earth and gives them the hope of a new era, an era of peace. His love, fully revealed in the Incarnate Son, is the foundation of universal peace.

"PEACE IS POSSIBLE"

To everyone I affirm that peace is possible. It needs to be implored from God as His gift, but it also needs to be built day by day with His help, through works of justice and love.

"WAR IS A DEFEAT FOR HUMANITY"

War is a defeat for humanity. Only in peace and through peace can respect for human dignity and its inalienable rights be guaranteed.

"HUMANITY'S HONOR"

Against the backdrop of war in the 20th century, humanity's honor has been preserved by those who have spoken and worked on behalf of peace.

BUILDING LIVES ON NON-VIOLENCE

Those who built their lives on the value of non-violence have given us a luminous and prophetic example. Their example of integrity and loyalty, often to the point of martyrdom, has provide us with rich and splendid lessons.

"PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO PEACE"

There remains a fundamental duty for all men and women of good will, called to commit themselves personally to the cause of peace: that of educating for peace, setting in place structures of peace and methods of non-violence, and making every possible effort to bring parties in conflict to the negotiating table.

THE CHURCH AND PEACE

During this Jubilee Year, the Church vividly remembers her Lord and intends to confirm her vocation and mission to be in Christ a "sacrament" or sign and instrument of peace in the world and for the world. For the Church, to carry out her evangelizing mission means to work for peace.

"A SIGN OF HOPE"

It is a sign of hope that, despite many serious obstacles, initiatives for peace continue to spring up day by day, with the generous cooperation of many people. Peace is a building constantly under construction.

A GUIDING, CONSTANT THOUGHT

Let yourselves be guided by this constant thought: peace within you and peace around you, peace always, peace with everyone, peace for everyone.

(Source: Message for World Day of Peace [January 1, 2000], issued December 8, 1999)