Pacem in terris

Thus, attention must be paid to the basic nature of the common good and what it is that brings it about. (72) Responsory at Matins, Feria VI Within the Octave of Easter. Secondly, each State must have a public constitution, couched in juridical terms, laying down clear rules relating to the designation of public officials, their reciprocal relations, spheres of competence and prescribed methods of operation. The prosperity and progress of any State is in part consequence, and in part cause, of the prosperity and progress of all other States. All men are united by their common origin and fellowship, their redemption by Christ, and their supernatural destiny. Thus, in this age which boasts of its atomic power, it no longer makes sense to maintain that war is a fit instrument with which to repair the violation of justice. Hence the civil institutions in which such authority resides, becomes operative and promotes its ends, are endowed with a certain kind of structure and efficacy: a structure and efficacy which make such institutions capable of realizing the common good by ways and means adequate to the changing historical conditions. They have the right to play the leading part in the process of their own development, and the right to their good name and due honors. And peace will be in you—true, sure, most ordered peace.

Catholics who, in order to achieve some external good, collaborate with unbelievers or with those who through error lack the fullness of faith in Christ, may possibly provide the occasion or even the incentive for their conversion to the truth. He will be so in proportion to his degree of spiritual union with God. One of the principal duties of any government, moreover, is the suitable and adequate superintendence and co-ordination of men's respective rights in society. All created being reflects the infinite wisdom of God. 146. Their conscience bears witness to them." In such a State a precise legal framework is provided, not only for the official functions of government, but also for the mutual relations between citizens and public officials. The amount a worker receives must be sufficient, in proportion to available funds, to allow him and his family a standard of living consistent with human dignity. There may be, and sometimes is, a clash of interests among States, each striving for its own development. For the rest, it is not possible to give a general ruling on the most suitable form of government, or the ways in which civil authorities can most effectively fulfill their legislative, administrative, and judicial functions.

160. Finally, may Christ inflame the desires of all men to break through the barriers which divide them, to strengthen the bonds of mutual love, to learn to understand one another, and to pardon those who have done them wrong. These rights and duties are universal and inviolable, and therefore altogether inalienable. Hence among the very serious obligations incumbent upon men of high principles, We must include the task of establishing new relationships in human society, under the mastery and guidance of truth, justice, charity and freedom—relations between individual citizens, between citizens and their respective States, between States, and finally between individuals, families, intermediate associations and States on the one hand, and the world community on the other.

50. They must also repudiate any policy of domination. Thus, in pursuing their own interests, civil societies, far from causing injury to others, must join plans and forces whenever the efforts of particular States cannot achieve the desired goal. They should realize that their constant association with a people steeped in a different civilization from their own has no small part to play in the development of their own particular genius and spirit. Today the universal common good presents us with problems which are world-wide in their dimensions; problems, therefore, which cannot be solved except by a public authority with power, organization and means co-extensive with these problems, and with a world-wide sphere of activity. Pius XII's broadcast message, August 24, 1939, AAS 31 (1939) 334. It arises from fear of the ghastly and catastrophic consequences of their use. We must devote our attention first of all to that order which should prevail among men. 115.

And it is part of the greatness of man that he can appreciate that order, and devise the means for harnessing those forces for his own benefit. 68. c. 13, vv. 65.