Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore

Pax Christi is the leading Catholic Peace Organization in the world. Pax Christi CUA and Pax Christi Metro DC and Baltimore are two local chapters. We thank Pope Benedict, and his predecessors, for clearly and repeatedly encouraging the church to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to become a light of peace for the world and the salt needed to help change our world into a more peaceful kingdom, where all of God’s children can live together.

War in Iraq

Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II have repeatedly and consistently spoke out against this war. We thank Pope Benedict, for his recent words, in the spirit of Jesus, the nonviolent Prince of Peace, “Enough with the slaughters. Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred in Iraq!” he said to applause at the end of this year’s Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

We thank his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who said in his World Day of Peace Message in 2002, “How can we not think with profound regret of the drama unfolding in Iraq, which has given rise to tragic situations of uncertainty and insecurity for all?”

“The responsibility for war rests not only with those who directly cause war, but also with those who do not do everything in their power to prevent it.”
—Pope John Paul II

As for “war in God’s name, it is never acceptable,” says Benedict.

Torture

The Catholic Church has been consistent in valuing life in all ways. War and Torture are among the most egregious affronts to the dignity of the human person, who is made in the image of God. Pope Benedict XVI, in a September 6, 2007 address, stated, “I reiterate that the prohibition against torture cannot be contravened under any circumstances.”

“The thought of Jesus being stripped, beaten and derided until his final agony on the cross should always prompt a Christian to protest against similar treatment of their fellow beings. Of their own accord, disciples of Christ will reject torture, which nothing can justify, which causes humiliation and suffering to the victim and degrades the tormentor.”
—Pope John Paul II

Peace

Pope Benedict XVI is coming to the United Nations as “a pilgrim of peace” to promote dialogue between cultures and religions based on fundamental human rights, the Holy See’s U.N. observer said on April 10, 2008.

“The search for peace, justice and understanding must be a primary objective of everyone,” Pope Benedict stated on December 14, 2006.

Pope John Paul II said, “When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society. Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of man.”