Pope’s World Day of Peace Message: Politics must serve peace
Pope Francis reacts during a private audience to members of the media on March 16, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. Pope Francis on Saturday called for "a poor Church for the poor", saying he chose his papal name because St Francis of Assisi was "a man of poverty and a man of peace". AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI,ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)The theme of Pope Francis’ Message for the 52nd World Day of Peace, marked on 1 January 2019, have been revealed in a note and a comment published by the Holy See Press Office.
Politics must be at the service of peace
The Holy See Press Office statement said Pope Francis’ Message for the coming World Day of Peace highlights the need for politics to be 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”.
There is no peace without mutual trust
The Press Office note continues pointing out that “this mission consists in safeguarding the law and encouraging dialogue between all actors of society, between generations, and between cultures”.
The first condition for trust, it says, is respect for the given word. It adds that “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”.