| Pacem in terris Latin for 'Peace on Earth' Encyclical of Pope John XXIII | |
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| Signature date | 11 April 1963[1] |
| Subject | That peace between all peoples must be based on truth, justice, love and freedom |
| Number | 8 of 8 of the pontificate |
| Text | |
Pacem in terris (lit. 'Peace on Earth') is a papal encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII on 11 April 1963, on the rights and obligations of people and their states, as well as proper interstate relations. It emphasizes human dignity and human equality in endorsing women's rights, nuclear nonproliferation and the United Nations.
It was the last encyclical drafted by the pope, who was diagnosed with cancer in September 1962 and died two months after its completion. Biographer Peter Hebblethwaite called it his "last will and testament".[2] Published on Holy Thursday, John called it his Easter gift.
Due to its importance and popularity, Pacem in terris is held in the UN archives.
- ^ Pope John XXIII (11 April 1963). "Pacem in Terris". Vatican.
- ^ Hebblethwaite, Peter (2010) [1st ed: John XXIII: Pope of the Council (1984)]. John XXIII: Pope of the Century (abridged, revised, and retitled ed.). London: Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 4, 214, 232, 240, 241–251. ISBN 978-1-441-18413-9.