Editorial

With all the violent conflicts happening in the world, we may become discouraged. We wonder if it is possible to have peace on earth. But Pope Benedict XVI gives us great hope that peace is possible.

In his message for the celebration of the World Day of Peace on January 1, 2007, Pope Benedict emphasizes that respect for the human person - and all of creation - is at the heart of peace. I encourage people to go to the Vatican Web site (www.vatican.va - click on the English language page) to read the message in its entirety.

The human person. The Holy Father is very clear that respect for the human person is linked to peace. As one created in the image of God, each individual human being has dignity, Pope Benedict reminds us. He emphasizes that the person "cannot be disposed of at will." Those with greater political, technical, or economic power may not use that power to violate the rights of others who are less fortunate.

The Catholic Church champions the fundamental rights of each person, in particular respect for life. Defending the right to life includes denouncing its violation in our society: alongside victims of armed conflicts, terrorism, and the different forms of violence, the pope mentions "silent deaths" caused by hunger, abortion, experimentation on human embryos, and euthanasia. "How can we fail to see in all this an attack on peace? Abortion and embryonic experimentation constitute a direct denial of that attitude of acceptance of others which is indispensable for establishing lasting relationships of peace," says the pope.

Freedom of religion. The Holy Father also speaks of the necessity of freedom of religion throughout the world. Speaking of Christians in particular, he points out that Christians are prevented from practicing their faith freely. In some countries, they are actually persecuted, and, adds the pope, "even recently tragic cases of ferocious violence have been recorded."

He laments the fact that "there are regimes that impose a single religion upon everyone, while secular regimes often lead not so much to violent persecution as to systematic cultural denigration of religious beliefs." This can only promote a "mentality and culture that is not conducive to peace."

Respect for nature. In order to build peace, we must also be concerned about respect for nature, says the Holy Father. "Experience shows that disregard for the environment always harms human coexistence, and vice versa," he says. It is becoming more and more evident that there is an "inseparable link" between peace with creation and peace among men.

The pope is concerned about the improper or selfish use of energy resources. He says the violent hoarding of the earth's resources can cause grievances, conflicts, and wars.

New Year's resolution. These are just some of the insightful reflections contained in the Holy Father's peace message. He makes an urgent appeal for all Christians to be "committed to tireless peace-making and strenuous defence of the dignity of the human person and his inalienable rights." I would suggest we make this our first New Year's resolution for 2007.

Mary C. Uhler

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