The Pontifical messages of the World Day of Peace (1968–2024): An analytical introduction

Abstract

The end of World War II brought about an international consensus, the apex of which was the commitment to a dialogue-based solution to conflict that rejects the use of force. Shortly thereafter, however, war threatened the world once again. This is the context for John XXIII’s 1983 encyclical Pacem in terris. In 1967 Paul VI inaugurated the annual World Day of Peace, publishing a pontifical message and establishing a custom that would continue with John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, up to the present day. In his 2004 message, John Paul II pointed out that the result has been ‘a synthesis of teaching about peace,’ a ‘science of peace’. In the messages as a whole, there is a coherence of thought and principle in line with Vatican II – basically what John Paul II called, ‘education for peace’ and ‘education for legality.’ In keeping with the dignity of the person, human relations (from interpersonal to international) should be woven of an integrative dynamic of gratuity and justice, both in the building of a peaceful coexistence and in conflict resolution. With the horizon of this dynamic and through analysis of the messages, those themes that the pontiffs deem most relevant for achieving lasting peace are identified. The article includes some emerging phenomena that affect peace and are dealt with in the pontifical messages, and finally, some conclusions are offered.