“PEACE IN

OUR TIME”
PACEM IN
TERRIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 ENCYCLICAL’S 02 THE
BACKGROUND AUTHOR

03 KEY 04 PRINCIPLES
THEMES
RELATED
05
SOCIAL ISSUES
 01
ENCYCLICAL’
S
BACKGROUN
D
ENCYCLICAL’S
BACKGROUND
• "Pacem in Terris" was published on April 11, 1963,
by Pope John XXIII. This encyclical is notable for its
timing as it was released during the height of the
Cold War when tensions between the United States
and the Soviet Union were a major global concern.
 02

THE
AUTHOR
 • Pope John XXIII, born Angelo
Giuseppe Roncalli, was a
highly regarded figure in the
Catholic Church. He served as
Pope from 1958 until his
death in 1963. His papacy is
often associated with the
Second Vatican Council
(Vatican II), which aimed to
modernize and reform
various aspects of the
POPE JOHN Catholic Church. John XXIII
was known for his warm and
 03

KEY
THEMES
 PEACE

• The encyclical begins with

an urgent call for peace in a
world marked by division
and conflict. It stresses that
true and lasting peace can
only be achieved through
justice and cooperation
among nations.
 HUMAN
DIGNITY
• "Pacem in Terris"
underscores the inherent
dignity of every human
being. It emphasizes that
individuals have rights and
responsibilities that stem
from this dignity,
regardless of their
nationality, race, or
religious affiliation.
 HUMAN
RIGHTS
• The encyclical lays out the
idea of universal human
rights, including the right
to life, freedom, and
religious liberty. It argues
that these rights are not
granted by governments
but are inherent to all
individuals and must be
protected and respected by
governments and
 SOCIAL
JUSTICE
• Social justice is a central
theme, advocating for
equitable distribution of
resources and opportunities
within societies. It
emphasizes the duty of
governments to care for
the well-being of their
citizens, particularly the
vulnerable and
marginalized.
ROLE OF
THE CHURCH
• "Pacem in Terris" discusses
the role of the Catholic
Church in promoting peace
and social justice. It calls
upon the Church to be a
voice for human rights and
to engage in dialogue and
cooperation with other
religious and secular
institutions for the
common good.
 PRINCIPLE
04
S
HUMAN DIGNITY
The principle of Human Dignity is pervasive in "Pacem
in Terris." This principle asserts that every person is of
infinite worth and must be treated with respect and
dignity. It serves as the foundation for the encyclical's
emphasis on peace, human rights, and social justice.
Pope John XXIII's call for global cooperation and the
protection of individual rights is rooted in the belief in
the sanctity of every human life, regardless of their
circumstances or background. This principle is a
cornerstone of Catholic Social Teaching and continues
to influence the Church's stance on social and ethical
issues.
RELATED
SOCIAL
ISSUES
 PEACE AND

INTERNATION
AL
RELATIONS
The encyclical waspublished during the
Cold War, and it strongly advocated for
peace and disarmament. It emphasized
the need for peaceful coexistence among
nations and called for an end to the
nuclear arms race, highlighting the grave
dangers posed by the proliferation of
nuclear weapons.
 HUMAN
RIGHTS
"Pacem in Terris" emphasized the
importance of human rights as a
fundamental aspect of human dignity. It
discussed the right to life, freedom, and
religious liberty. The encyclical argued
that these rights are inherent to all
individuals and must be protected by
governments and international
organizations.
 SOCIAL
JUSTICE

The encyclical advocated for social justice

and the equitable distribution of resources
and opportunities within societies. It
stressed the importance of addressing
economic inequalities and ensuring that all
individuals have access to basic necessities
such as food, shelter, and education.
ROLE OF THE
GOVERNMENT
"Pacem in Terris" outlined the
responsibilities of governments in
promoting the common good and
protecting the rights of their citizens. It
called on governments to be accountable
to their people and to provide for the
well-being of all, particularly the
vulnerable and marginalized.
INTERFAITH
DIALOGUE

The encyclical encouraged dialogue and

cooperation among people of different faiths and
cultures. It recognized the importance of
fostering understanding and respect among
religious communities as a means to promote
peace and social harmony.
INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION

"Pacem in Terris" stressed the importance of

international cooperation and collaboration
among nations. It called for the establishment of
international institutions and agreements to
address global issues and conflicts peacefully.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC
EQUALITY
While not the primary focus, the encyclical
indirectly addressed issues of racial and ethnic
equality by emphasizing the inherent dignity of
all individuals, regardless of their background.
This message resonated with the broader civil
rights and anti-discrimination movements of the
era.
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Reflection Journal

1.What is the relevance or significance of Pacem

in Terris in the life of people in this world?

2. How did the Pacem in Terris impact the

society?