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Peace on Earth—which man
throughout the ages has so longed for and sought after—can never be
established, never guaranteed, except by the diligent observance of the
divinely established order.
Order in the Universe
2. That a marvelous order
predominates in the world of living beings and in the forces of nature, is the
plain lesson which the progress of modern research and the discoveries of
technology teach us. And it is part of the greatness of man that he can
appreciate that order, and devise the means for harnessing those forces for his
own benefit.
An lmperative of the Common Good
85. But one of the principal
imperatives of the common good is the recognition of the moral order and the
unfailing observance of its precepts. "A firmly established order between
political communities must be founded on the unshakable and unmoving rock of
the moral law, that law which is revealed in the order of nature by the Creator
Himself, and engraved indelibly on men's hearts . . . Its principles are beacon
lights to guide the policies of men and nations. They are also warning
lights—providential signs—which men must heed if their laborious efforts to
establish a new order are not to encounter perilous storms and shipwreck."
(54)
In Truth
86. The first point to be settled
is that mutual ties between States must be governed by truth. Truth calls for
the elimination of every trace of racial discrimination, and the consequent
recognition of the inviolable principle that all States are by nature equal in
dignity.Each of them accordingly has the right to exist, to develop, and to possess the necessary means and accept a primary responsibility for its own development. Each is also legitimately entitled to its good name and to the respect which is its due.
87. As we know from experience, men frequently differ widely in knowledge, virtue, intelligence and wealth, but that is no valid argument in favor of a system whereby those who are in a position of superiority impose their will arbitrarily on others. On the contrary, such men have a greater share in the common responsibility to help others to reach perfection by their mutual efforts.
88. So, too, on the international level: some nations may have attained to a superior degree of scientific, cultural and economic development. But that does not entitle them to exert unjust political domination over other nations. It means that they have to make a greater contribution to the common cause of social progress.
89. The fact is that no one can be by nature superior to his fellows, since all men are equally noble in natural dignity. And consequently there are no differences at all between political communities from the point of view of natural dignity. Each State is like a body, the members of which are human beings. And, as we know from experience, nations can be highly sensitive in matters in any way touching their dignity and honor; and with good reason.
In Justice
91. Relations between States must
furthermore be regulated by justice. This necessitates both the recognition of
their mutual rights, and, at the same time, the fulfilment of their respective
duties.92. States have the right to existence, to self development, and to the means necessary to achieve this. They have the right to play the leading part in the process of their own development, and the right to their good name and due honors. Consequently, States are likewise in duty bound to safeguard all such rights effectively, and to avoid any action that could violate them. And just as individual men may not pursue their own private interests in a way that is unfair and detrimental to others, so too it would be criminal in a State to aim at improving itself by the use of methods which involve other nations in injury and unjust oppression. There is a saying of St. Augustine which has particular relevance in this context: "Take away justice, and what are kingdoms but mighty bands of robbers "(56)
93. There may be, and sometimes is, a clash of interests among States, each striving for its own development. When differences of this sort arise, they must be settled in a truly human way, not by armed force nor by deceit or trickery. There must be a mutual assessment of the arguments and feelings on both sides, a mature and objective investigation of the situation, and an equitable reconciliation of opposing views.
The Treatment of Minorities
94. A special instance of this
clash of interests is furnished by that political trend (which since the
nineteenth century has become widespread throughout the world and has gained in
strength) as a result of which men of similar ethnic background are anxious for
political autonomy and unification into a single nation. For many reasons this
cannot always be effected, and consequently minority peoples are often obliged
to live within the territories of a nation of a different ethnic origin. This
situation gives rise to serious problems.95. It is quite clear that any attempt to check the vitality and growth of these ethnic minorities is a flagrant violation of justice; the more so if such perverse efforts are aimed at their very extinction .
96. Indeed, the best interests of justice are served by those public authorities who do all they can to improve the human conditions of the members of these minority groups, especially in what concerns their language, culture, ancient traditions, and their economic activity and enterprise. (57)
A Cautionary Note
97. It is worth noting, however,
that these minority groups, in reaction, perhaps, to the enforced hardships of their
present situation, or to historical circumstances, frequently tend to magnify
unduly characteristics proper to their own people. They even rate them above
those human values which are common to all mankind, as though the good of the
entire human family should subserve the interests of their own particular
groups. A more reasonable attitude for such people to adopt would be to
recognize the advantages, too, which accrue to them from their own special
situation. They should realize that their constant association with a people
steeped in a different civilization from their own has no small part to play in
the development of their own particular genius and spirit. Little by little
they can absorb into their very being those virtues which characterize the other
nation. But for this to happen these minority groups must enter into some kind
of association with the people in whose midst they are living, and learn to
share their customs and way of life. It will never happen if they sow seeds of
disaffection which can only produce a harvest of evils, stifling the political
development of nations.
Need for Disarmament
112. Hence justice, right reason,
and the recognition of man's 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 round and simultaneously by the parties
concerned. Nuclear weapons must be banned. A general agreement must be reached
on a suitable disarmament program, with an effective system of mutual control.
In the words of Pope Pius XII: "The calamity of a world war, with the
economic and social ruin and the moral excesses and dissolution that accompany
it, must not on any account be permitted to engulf the human race for a third
time." (59)113. Everyone, however, must realize that, unless this process of disarmament be thoroughgoing and complete, and reach men's very souls, it is impossible to stop the arms race, or to reduce armaments, or—and this is the main thing—ultimately to abolish them entirely. Everyone must sincerely co-operate in the effort to banish fear and the anxious expectation of war from men's minds. But this requires that the fundamental principles upon which peace is based in today's world be replaced by an altogether different one, namely, the realization that true and lasting peace among nations cannot consist in the possession of an equal supply of armaments but only in mutual trust. And We are confident that this can be achieved, for it is a thing which not only is dictated by common sense, but is in itself most desirable and most fruitful of good.
V. PASTORAL EXHORTATIONS
146. Here once more We exhort Our
sons to take an active part in public life, and to work together for the
benefit of the whole human race, as well as for their own political
communities. It is vitally necessary for them to endeavor, in the light of
Christian faith, and with love as their guide, to ensure that every
institution, whether economic, social, cultural or political, be such as not to
obstruct but rather to facilitate man's self betterment, both in the natural
and in the supernatural order.And so, dear brothers, with the ardent wish that peace may come upon the flocks committed to your care, for the special benefit of those who are most lowly and in the greatest need of help and defense, lovingly in the Lord We bestow on you, on Our priests both secular and regular, on religious both men and women, on all the faithful and especially those who give wholehearted obedience to these Our exhortations, Our Apostolic Blessing. And upon all men of good will, to whom We also address this encyclical, We implore from God health and prosperity.
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