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.