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Vatican City,
17th March 2005 (CNA)
- Yesterday, Pope John Paul II called on
members of a conference examining the Church’s
call to justice continue to foster solidarity with
and dignity for all members of the human
family.
The Pope’s message, addressed to Cardinal
Renato R. Martino and to participants in the
conference for the 40th anniversary of the Vatican
Council II Pastoral Constitution "Gaudium et
Spes", was relayed by Cardinal Secretary of State
Angelo Sodano.
The Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace, of which Cardinal Martino is president, is
sponsoring the gathering, which lasts until
tomorrow.
Noting the theme of the
conference, "The Call to Justice," the Holy Father
wrote that, "at times, the huge advances in
science and technology can result in the
fundamental questions of justice being forgotten,
despite a shared aspiration for greater solidarity
between peoples and for a more human structuring
of social relationships."
He
highlights the fact that "the sad persistence of
armed conflict and recurring displays of violence
in many parts of the world constitute a further
proof of the inseparable relationship between
justice and peace, in keeping with the fundamental
teaching proposed with courageous clarity in
Gaudium et Spes.”
“On this subject,” he said, “I wish to
reaffirm once again that peace is the work of
justice; indeed it is born from that order upon
which the Divine Founder Himself wanted human
society to be built."
"How, then, can
we not approve and encourage those men and women
of good will who make such efforts to create
conditions of greater justice in the world?” the
Pope asked.
“Indeed, true peace on earth means the firm
determination to respect others in their dignity,
both individuals and peoples, and the constant
will to increase fraternity among the members of
the human family."
John Paul
concluded his message by referring to the need
"never to forget the virtue of love that leads to
forgiveness and reconciliation, and that animates
Christian commitment in favor of justice. In any
case, it remains unquestionable that the theme of
justice is the foundation for the correct
regulation of the social
order."
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