The Human Person,the Heart of Peace
Extracts from the
World Day of Peace Messagefor 1 January 2007from Pope Benedict XVI
I amconvinced
thatrespectfor the
person promotes
peace
WDP 2007 n 1
… createdin the image
of God,each
individualhuman being… is not just
something,but
someone
WDP 2007 n 2
Peacebetweenindividuals & peoples…calls forunfailing commitmenton our part,it is also true…that peace is a giftfrom God
WDP 2007 n 3
Those with greater political, technical,or economic power
may not use that powerto violate the rights of others
who are less fortunate.Peace is based on
respect for the rights of all.
WDP 2007 n 4
… alongsidethe victimsof armed conflicts,terrorism andthe different formsof violence,there are thesilent deathscaused by hunger,abortion,experimentation onhuman embryosand euthanasia.
WDP 2007 n 5
A fundamentalelement ofbuilding peaceis therecognitionof theessentialequalityof humanpersons
WDP 2007 n 6
The extremely grave deprivationafflicting many peoples …lies at the root of violent reactionsand thus inflicts a terrible wound on peace.
WDP 2007 n 6
The destructionof theenvironment, its improperor selfish use,and theviolent hoardingof the earth'sresourcescausegrievances,conflictsandwars
WDP 2007 n 9
There is an urgent need
… for acommitment to a
human ecologythat can favour the
growth of the“tree of peace”.
WDP 2007 n 10
A true and stable peace
presupposes respect for
human rights.
WDP 2007 n 12
It goes without saying …that human rights implycorresponding duties.
WDP 2007 n 12
The recognition thatthere exist inalienable
human rights…has led to the
establishment of a body of international
humanitarian lawwhich States are
committed to respect,even in the case
of war.
WDP 2007 n 14
The way to ensurea future of peacefor everyoneis foundnot only ininternationalaccordsfor the non-proliferationof nuclear weapons,but also in the determined commitmentto seek their reductionand definitive dismantling.WDP 2007 n 15
I wish to make an urgent appealto the People of God:
let every Christian be committedto tireless peace-makingand strenuous defence of
the dignity of the human personand his inalienable rights.
WDP 2007 n 16
The Loyola Institute is a centre for formation and leadership which commits itself to sharing and promoting Ignatian spirituality and its
way of proceeding. It is a work of the Australian Jesuits.
© Sandie Cornish for the Loyola Institute, Australian Jesuits, December 2006.
Photo Credits:Title Page: Vatican Information Service; Slides 2, 3 & 4: Sandie Cornish; Slide 5: Jesuit Refugee Service, NATSICC,Sandie Cornish & public domain; Slides 6, 7 & 8: Jesuit Refugee Service; Slides 13 & 14: Sandie Cornish; Slide 15:Jesuit Refugee Service.