According to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, global diplomacy and international peace efforts depend on a continuous “relay” of papal commitments spanning from the Second Vatican Council to modern times. Speaking at the presentation of journalist Antonio Preziosi’s book “Pâques de paix. De Jean XXIII à Léon XIV vers le Jubilé de 2033” at Palazzo Borromeo, the Vatican Secretary of State outlined how successive pontiffs have contributed individual pieces to a broader mosaic of global harmony, warning that multilateralism faces severe contemporary strains.
The Evolution of Papal Peace Efforts From Pacem in Terris to Today
The historical lineage of modern papal peace advocacy traces directly back to Saint John XXIII and his 1963 encyclical Pacem in terris, which Cardinal Parolin described as a spiritual testament and a foundational pillar for humanity grounded in reason rather than military force. This foundational framework expanded when Saint Paul VI delivered his historic “No more war!” address at the United Nations in New York on October 4, 1965, an exhortation matched by his January 1964 embrace of Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem.
Subsequent pontificates maintained this diplomatic momentum. According to Vatican records, Jean-Paul I sent a direct letter to United States President Jimmy Carter in 1978 supporting the Camp David negotiations between Israel and Egypt. Saint John-Paul II later convened the historic World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi on October 27, 1986, uniting leaders of major world religions for the first time—a milestone later expanded by Benedict XVI in 2011 to include cultural figures and non-believers.
Did you know? Pope Francis introduced the phrase “world war in pieces” to describe ongoing global conflicts, an image that shaped his daily appeals for interreligious dialogue and found formal expression in his encyclical Fratelli tutti.
Multilateralism Under Strain and the Path Toward the 2033 Jubile
Addressing the current geopolitical climate, Cardinal Parolin highlighted warnings from Léon XIV regarding the weakening of international multilateralism. The Pope maintained that the Creator endowed people with the intelligence to resolve disputes as human beings rather than beasts relying on hypertechnological arsenals.
Looking toward the horizon, the discussions at Palazzo Borromeo—attended by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani—highlighted the significance of the upcoming 2033 extraordinary Jubilee, marking two millennia of the Redemption. Preziosi’s book examines the convergence of ecumenical milestones, including the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicée in 325 AD, as a catalyst for healing historical divisions and pursuing a shared celebration of Easter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of the book presented by Cardinal Parolin?
The book, titled “Pâques de paix. De Jean XXIII à Léon XIV vers le Jubilé de 2033” by Antonio Preziosi, examines how post-conciliar popes have worked collectively to build international harmony and peace.
Which key historical encyclicals were highlighted in the Vatican presentation?
Cardinal Parolin specifically cited Saint John XXIII’s Pacem in terris (1963), Saint John-Paul II’s Ut unum sint (1995), and Pope Francis’s Fratelli tutti.
What significance does the year 2033 hold for the Church?
The year 2033 marks the bimilleanary of the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Christ, serving as a focal point for ecumenical dialogue and a shared Christian celebration of Easter.
To stay informed on Vatican diplomacy, global peace initiatives, and upcoming Jubilee events, subscribe to our newsletter or explore related articles in our archives.
Worth a look