Pope’s message for World Day of Peace, Jan. 1

(December 16, 2011) “Peace for all is the fruit of justice for all, and no one can shirk this essential task of promoting justice according to one’s particular areas of competence and responsibility.” This is what Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for the 45th World Day of Peace that the Catholic Church will mark on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. The Pope’s message was released on Friday by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at a press conference in the Vatican. The theme of the 2012 World Day of Peace, “Educating young people in justice and peace”, had been released earlier on May 19. In the message Pope Benedict said he dedicated the message to the youth “in the conviction that the young, with their enthusiasm and idealism, can offer new hope to the world.” “To the young, who have such a strong attachment to ideals, I extend a particular invitation to be patient and persevering in seeking justice and peace, in cultivating the taste for what is just and true, even when it involves sacrifice and swimming against the tide,” the Pope wrote. “In order to be true peacemakers, we must educate ourselves in compassion, solidarity, working together, fraternity, in being active within the community and concerned to raise awareness about national and international issues and the importance of seeking adequate mechanisms for the redistribution of wealth, the promotion of growth, cooperation for development and conflict resolution.” The Holy Father also referred to the current financial and economic crisis, saying 2011 has been marked by a ``rising sense of frustration.'' At a time when the value of persons “is seriously threatened” by concerns over profit, utility and material possessions, the Pope said the promotion of justice and peace requires respect for human dignity and human rights.