Pope Leo XIV reflected on peace in a message to an October 13 conference devoted to Blessed John Paul I’s teaching on peace.
“We are well aware that peace is not merely the absence of war,” Pope Leo wrote. “Saint Augustine speaks of it as the fruit of tranquillitas ordinis [tranquility of order]. It presupposes respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person, as well as solidarity among peoples. From this perspective, justice becomes an essential condition.”
“Blessed John Paul I, with his simple and direct language, insisted on the need for personal involvement, fraternity and charity in building human relationships founded on trust. International peace begins in the family, at school and in the community, before reaching institutions,” Pope Leo added.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, addressed the conference, which took place at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Cardinal Parolin recalled Blessed John Paul I’s work on behalf of peace during his brief pontificate in 1978.