Pacem in Terris: Nuclear Weapons

This week marks 50 years since the publication of Pacem in Terris, the landmark encyclical by Pope John XXIII that many consider to be his "last will and testament."  He wrote this major document on peace shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, when we came very close to mutually assured destruction.  While we do not commonly dwell on the threat of nuclear war today in the same way we did then, the threat is still very much real and we have the ability to destroy all of God's creation many times over.

This week, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Pacem in Terris, this Sister of Peace is going to offer some of John XXIII's words and prayers for peace here on the blog.  Please join me in praying for peace in our troubled and wounded world.

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 must be reduced all around and simultaneously by the parties concerned.  Nuclear weapons must be banned. (PT #112)