Pope Francis added that the encyclical remains relevant today, encouraging people to read Pacem in Terris.
“For example, this passage will suffice: ‘Relationships between political communities, like those between individual human beings, must be regulated not by resorting to the force of arms, but in the light of reason, that is, in truth, in justice, in active solidarity,’” he said, quoting paragraph 62 of the document.
“I pray that the heads of nations will let themselves be inspired by it in their plans and decisions,” the pope added.
Pope Francis also reminded the crowd that the Church will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday this week on April 16.
“The Lord never ceases to be merciful. Let us think of the mercy of God who always welcomes us, always accompanies us, never leaves us alone,” Francis said.
“I invite you to live this Easter season with your gaze turned to the risen Christ, who sacrificed himself for us and for our salvation,” he added.
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Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.
