VATICAN CITY - 15 April 2008 - 600 words
Pope calls for 'disarmament of the heart'
"Mankind has made considerable progress
in science and technology. The human genius has produced fruits
that were unimaginable just decades ago. And yet, there are still
parts of the world that have not reached an adequate level of
human and material development; many people and nations are deprived
of their most basic rights and freedoms...the number of people
marginalized and in misery appears to be on the rise. Although
the world's process of globalization has opened new horizons,
this does not imply that it has obtained the expected results."
These were the opening words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI in
his message to the participants of the International Seminar organized
by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on the theme of:
"Disarmament, development, and peace: perspectives for holistic
disarmament."
The Pope noted that "today the international community seems
to have gone astray. In various parts of the world, tensions and
war persist. Even those who do not live in war-torn nations are
filled with sentiments of fear and insecurity. As well, violence
such as terrorism, that is becoming more widespread on a worldly
scale, weakens the barriers between peace and war, seriously placing
in jeopardy the hope for the future of mankind." In response
to this challenge, there is certainly a need for common action
on a political, economic, and juridical level. However, above
all, the Pope insists, "a mutual reflection on a moral and
spiritual level is needed; there is an ever-more urgent and apparent
need to promote a 'new humanism,' that enlightens man in the understanding
of himself and in the meaning of his own path in history."
Development, therefore, should not be reduced to mere economic
progress, but instead should encompass the moral and spiritual
dimensions, seeing as "an authentic holistic humanism that
is both firm and supportive is one of the highest expressions
of the human spirit... Man, therefore, when he works to obtain
only material goods and remains enclosed in himself, he cuts himself
off from the way that leads to fullness of life and true happiness."
In his Message, the Pope explained the interdependence among the
three topics in the Seminar: disarmament, development, and peace.
"An authentic and lasting peace that excludes the development
of each person and nation is inconceivable...Nor is a disarmament
possible, if violence is not uprooted - that is, if man does not
decide to work for peace, what is good, and what is just. War,
like all forms of evil, finds its origin in man's heart. In this
sense, disarmament does not only refer to the arms of governments,
but rather it implies every, called to disarm his own heart and
to become a peacemaker in every circumstance." Recognizing
the right to legitimate defense as an unalienable right of a nation,
the Pope emphasized that this "does not legitimize all kinds
of armament," because "every nation should posses only
the arms necessary for assuring its own legitimate defense,"
otherwise the arms, "instead of ensuring peace, present the
risk of becoming a tragic preparation for war."
Making reference to the close relationship between disarmament
and development, the Pope explained that "the immense quantity
of human and material resources spent on militaries and their
armament is often a diversion from the paths of nations' progress,
especially in areas where there is most poverty and need."
In spite of the many conflicts of the past, today the manufacturing
and selling of arms is constantly increasing and becoming a driving
force in civil and military economy. Therefore, the Pope renews
his appeal "that the nations may reduce military spending
on arms and seriously take into consideration the thought of creating
a worldwide fund in support of the peaceful progress of nations."
Returning to the themes of development and peace, Benedict XVI
recalled that wars can arise from "grave violations of human
rights, injustice, and misery," however we must not ignore
the risk of wars "caused by the desire to expand or conserve
economic dominion at the expense of others," calling them
"welfare wars." Man can even reach the point of killing
his brother simply in the name of material comfort and welfare,
if he lacks "a coherent moral and spiritual development."
The Pope stressed the urgency of "a firm decision on behalf
of the international community in favor of peace," on an
economic and juridical level. "A full-fledged effort is needed
against the proliferation of small-scale arms and rifles that
foster local fighting and street violence, and claim the lives
of so many people every day throughout the world."
Therefore, there is a primary need for "a conversion of man
towards the good on a cultural, moral, and spiritual level. Every
man, in whatever circumstance he finds himself, is called to convert
to the good and work for peace, in his own heart, with his neighbour,
and in the world." Recalling the teachings of his Predecessors,
Benedict XVI recalled that "peace is a gift from God, a precious
gift that should be sought and protected by human means"
and asked that all people do their part in spreading a culture
of peace and a common education towards peace, especially for
the new generations.
The message concluded with an invitation to hope: "reflecting
on the concrete situations in which humanity is living today,
one is tempted toward an attitude of justification and resignation
to fighting: it seems that perhaps there is a prevailing attitude
among international relations of mistrust and independence; nations
divide against themselves. A widespread war, which is a terrible
prophecy, is at risk for becoming a tragic reality. The war, however,
is never unavoidable and peace is always possible. And necessary!
The time has come to change the course of history, to restore
trust, cultivate dialogue, foster solidarity."
Source: Fides
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