John XXIII - 'Mater et Magistra' to 'Pacem in Terris'
(Vatican Radio) Thursday 11th of April 2013 marked half a century since Blessed John
XXIII published his encyclical 'Pacem in Terris'. This encyclical, which as the
Latin title indicates focuses on peace on earth, called for social and international
peace. With this document which can be perceived as John XXIII's last testament, published
as it was only a couple of months before his death, he broke new ground. In fact
he addressed it is not as tradition dictated to the hierarchy, clergy and Catholic
faithful but – to all men of good will… However this was not John XXIII's first document
focusing on social justice. This Pope, had already written a social encyclical by
the title of 'Mater et Magistra'. Veronica Scarisbrick brings you an interview
with Professor of Catholic Social Teaching at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas
here in Rome Dominican Alejandro Crosthwaite who explains the connection between that
first document and 'Pacem in Terris' .