Though it’s not election day in Italy as it is in the United States, the Holy See press office today made an announcement particularly timely for the millions heading to the voting booths.
The press office released the theme of the pope’s message for the 52nd World Day of Peace, an annual celebration marked each January 1. The theme will be: “Good politics is at the service of peace.”
“Political responsibility belongs to every citizen, and in particular to those who have been given the mandate to protect and govern,” the press office comment explains, in announcing the theme of the message.
“Political commitment – which is one of the highest expressions of charity – implies concern for the future of life and of the planet, of the youngest and of the smallest, in their thirst for fulfillment,” it continues.
The message also encourages dialogue “between generations, and between cultures.”
When man is respected in his rights – as Saint John XXIII reiterated in the Encyclical Pacen in terries(1963) – this gives rise in him to a sense of duty to respect the rights of others. The rights and duties of man increase awareness of belonging to the same community, with others and with God (cf. ivi, 45). We are therefore called to bear and announce peace as the good news of a future in which every living being is considered in his or her dignity and rights.
And today we celebrate...