THE HOLY FATHER AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT

New Zealand Tablet, 17 August 1911, Page 1572

THE HOLY FATHER AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT

The following important letter has been sent by the Holy Father to Monsignor Falconio, Delegate-Apos-tolic to the United States: '

'To Our venerable brother Diomede, Titular Archbishop of Larissa and Delegate-Apostolic to the United States of America, Washington. Venerable brother, Health and the Apostolic Benediction. ? It is with pleasure We have learned from you that through the initiative of some of the most eminent personages in the United States of America ardent efforts are being made to ensure to all nations the benefits of peace. Assuredly, to promote concord among men, to restrain warlike tendencies, to keep at a distance the dangers of war,, and to remove the burden of what is called armed peace, is a most noble work : and everything which operates for this end, even if it does not reach at once and fully the end in view, still is a noble thing which entitles him who does it to praise and is of utility to the public. And this so much the more in our times, in which the numerical importance of armies, the destructive power of armaments, and the progress of military science make possible wars the thought of which must inspire even the most powerful rulers with fear. We are therefore exceedingly glad of what is being done: and if it seems good to all, in a special way must it be approved by Us, who, called to the Supreme Pontificate of the Church, take the place of Him Who is the Prince and God of peace; and willingly We give Our sympathy and.the help of Our authority to those who prudently co-operate in the work. We feel sure that those eminent men, possessed of such strength of intellect and wisdom, in endeavoring to make our storm-tossed century a century of peace, wish to open to the nations the high road which leads to the holy and general observance of the laws of justice and charity. By the very fact that peace consists in order, he will in vain hope to bring it about who does not try with all his might to ensure that those virtues which are the beginning and chief foundation of order may be everywhere held.in due honor. We recall ti> mind the example of many of Our predecessors, who, when the time permitted it, did so much for the civilisation of the nations and to establish firm bonds between empires. At present We can only address our prayers to God, beseeching the Lord Who knows the hearts of men, and Who can turn them wherever He wishes, that He may assist those who devote themselves to promoting the cause of peace amongst peoples, and that in His goodness He may grant peace to nations who with an unanimous wish desire it; so that these may rest once for all in the sweetness of peace, freed from the calamities of wars and strife.

' Meanwhile, as a pledge of Divine favors, and a proof of Our goodwill, We impart to you, Venerable Brother, with all Our heart, the Apostolic Benediction. ' Given at St. Peter's, Rome, on the 11th of June, 1911, the eighth year of Our Pontificate.'