The pope's message for World Day of Peace is summarized by its title, “A culture of care as a path to peace.”
The pope explained it in a short tweet, in which he notes that this year has shown “the importance of caring for each other and also for creation.”
In a virtual press conference from the Vatican, Card. Peter Turkson and Bruno-Marie Duffé explained the main points of this very rich text.
CARD. PETER TURKSON
Prefect, Dicastery for Integral Human Development
“In front of the current situation, there could be no better reflection than this one about caring. How does one care, not only for the sick, but for the global situation, for those who have lost their jobs, all these situations?”
The pope's proposal is to maintain international relations, starting from recognizing the dignity of the human person, respect of fundamental rights and care for the environment.
He recalls his appeal to redirect spending on weapons to human development projects, and he asks for a stronger female presence in society.
BRUNO-MARIE DUFFÉ
Secretary, Dicastery for Integral Human Development
“[The proposal is] to continue this reflection, dialogue and research on a culture of care and a path to peace, on care as a path to peace. We could say the message isn't just for one day, but for a longer period, for a year.”
World Day of Peace is celebrated every Jan. 1. The pope celebrates Mass with this message, which is always made public a few days before.
Throughout the year, the pope gives this text to heads of state who visit him.
JMB
Translation: CT
