POPE’S REPLY TO PRESIDENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21558, 22 January 1940, Page 7

POPE’S REPLY TO PRESIDENT

Need For Just Peace

“Chilling Breath Of Aggressors”

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received January 21, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 20.

The Pope’s reply to Mr Roosevelt vaguely placed a future time when thought of peace could be achieved. It expressed the conviction that “when the roar of battle is silenced and the possibility arises to establish a true and sound peace dictated by principles of justice and equity only those whose political power is combined with a clear understanding of the voice of humanity and a sincere reverence for the divine precepts of life found in the gospel of Christ will be able to discern the path which must be followed. Only those of such moral stature will be able to create a peace which will compensate for the war’s incalculable sacrifices and clear a way for the comity of nations fair to everyone and sustained by mutual confidence. We are fully aware of the stubbornness of the obstacles which daily become more difficult to surmount. If the friends of peace do not wish their labours to be in vain they should visualise distinctly the seriousness of these obstacles, consequently the slight probability of immediate success so long as the present state of the opposing forces remains essentially unchanged.”

The reply also pledged collaboration with Mr Roosevelt on behalf of peace against the “chilling breath of aggressive, deadly, godless anti-Christian tendencies.” The Pope welcomed the appointment of Mr Myrom Taylor as envoy to the Vatican. The publication of the message the day Mr Roosevelt began the final year of his second term emphasised the importance of Mr Roosevelt’s determination to work for peace before he leaves White House.