Lettre encyclical Peace on Earth (April 11, 1963)

INTRODUCTION

order in the universe

1. Peace on earth, the object of the deep desire of humanity at all times, cannot be based
nor be strengthened except in absolute respect for the order established by God.

2. The progress of science and the inventions of technology convince us of this: in living beings and in the forces of the universe, there reigns an admirable order, and it is the greatness of man to be able to discover this order and to to forge the instruments by which he captures the natural energies and subjects them to his service.

3. But what scientific progress and technical inventions show above all is the infinite greatness of God, Creator of the universe and of man himself. He created the universe by displaying in it the munificence of his wisdom and his goodness. As the Psalmist says: “Lord, Lord, how magnificent is your name on earth (1), how many are your works, Lord! You have done them all wisely. » (2)

And he created intelligent and free man in his own image and likeness (3), establishing him as master of the universe: “You have made him a little lower than the angels; with glory and honor you have crowned him; you have given him authority over the works of your hands, you have put all things under his feet. » (4)

order in human beings

4. The order so perfect of the universe contrasts painfully with the disorders which oppose
between individuals and peoples, as if force alone could regulate their relations
mutuals.

5. Yet the Creator of the world inscribed order in the most intimate of men: an order that
conscience reveals to them and enjoins them to respect: “They show engraved in their hearts the very content of the Law, while their conscience adds its testimony to it. (5) How could it not be so, since all the works of God reflect his infinite wisdom, and reflect it all the more clearly the higher they are in the scale of beings (6).

6. But human thought frequently makes the mistake of believing that the relationships of individuals
with their political community can regulate themselves according to the laws which obey the forces and the irrational elements of the universe. While the standards of human conduct are of another essence: they must be sought where God has inscribed them, namely in human nature.

7. They are the ones which clearly indicate their conduct to men, whether in the relations of individuals to each other in social life; relations between citizens and authorities
public within each political community; relations between the various communities
policies; finally, the relationship between the latter and the world community, the creation of which is today so imperiously demanded by the requirements of the universal common good

SUMMARY

Introduction [1-7]

I. Order among human beings [8-45]

→ Rights [11-27]

→ Homework [28-45]

II. Relations between men and public authorities within each political community[46-79]

III. Relations between political communities[80-129]

IV. Relations of individuals and political communities with the global community [130-145]

V. Pastoral guidelines[146-45]

Conclusion [98-99]

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