Pope Urges On Man His Responsibilities

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30106, 15 April 1963, Page 9

Pope Urges On Man His Responsibilities

(N Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

VATICAN CITY, April 13.

Pope John in his Easter radio message tonight spoke of social justice, those suffering and in distress, the responsibilities of rulers and had a word for the press and for the workers.

He said the peace encyclical was "our Easter gift of the vear of the Lord 1963.” In spite of numerous difficulties. true progress in brotherhood and peace was possible, he said

"A good start has already oeen made and this should encourage all to continue and nave confidence,” the 81-vear-oid Pope said Making his customary address to the world towards he end of a strenuous Holy Week programme, the Pope raid he wished to pay homage "to the world organisations which are labouring n every field—political, cultural and charitable--t< serve man in his dignity as a person. as a brother and as a son ■>f God " The gift ol peace would make each man aware of his responsibilities and obligations "that he may grant to his fellow-men what they expect and have a right to possess ”

This year peace has been a dominant theme of the Holy Week ceremonies, the main feature being the encyclical which the Pope signed last Tuesday and published <n Wednesday Pope John, referring to the Ecumenical Council, said even the secular world ha< felt its importance, and was expecting

tron< it “the desired influence upon the social structure. "The council is, indeed, a beacon towards which not only the church’s children, but all men of good will are looking with hope."

The peace encyclical, which was linked in its meaning with the Mater et Magistra encyclical on social justice of May, 1961, epitomised the teachings of Popes from Leo Kill to Pius XII.

On the subject of peace here had been ‘throughout the last seven years, a mass of Papa) teaching, in exhortations and tn serious warnings ”

The two documents —matei et magistra and the peace encyclical, entitled Pace in Terris provided "new motives for serious reflection on economic, social and pol.ticai problems with a view t solving them through a respect and love for those immutable and universal laws which are written id the heart of every man " At Easter Po. e John said, nis thoughts turned to the .mmense family which the goodness of the Lord had entrusted to him

He felt near in prayer and affection to churchmen and to those who had offered their lives to God. to men of culture and of study.

We are near,” he said, ‘with complete trust, to the representatives of the press and of the radio and television. on whose work depends in part the formation or the deformation of public opinion

“We entreat then- to place themselves at the service of what is good and beautiful, and to eliminate all dangerous suggestions by which youth and simple people are so >ften attracted

“In the name of God, the jus' Judge, we invite all those in responsible positions to reject the temptations towards easy success “We feel ourselves to be at the side of the workers abounng in the workshops and in the mines, in the fields and in the factories, to whom in every hour of the day our affectionate thought and care goes out.” His heart beat with a more vivid sympathy fo> those suffering, for those without secure work, foi those struggling heroically in adverse situations, for those suffering tn body and spirit. "How we would wish to come to the side of each of them, to exhort them to serene confidence or to offer them—God willing—both strength and joy,” the Pope said.