Pacem in Terris

On Establishing Universal Peace in Truth, Justice, Charity, and Liberty

St. John XXIII1963-04-11Current

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Overview

Builds peace on human rights and duties, moral order, public authority, international cooperation, truth, justice, charity, and freedom.

Why This Document Matters

It is a landmark Catholic statement on human rights, global governance, conscience, and peace in the nuclear age.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John XXIII in 1963, this papal encyclical addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Papal Encyclical
Authority class: Papal encyclical
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1963-04-11

Authoritative papal teaching; the weight of individual statements depends on their wording, subject, continuity, and intent.

Key Points

Social TeachingHuman Dignity & LifeReligious Freedom

Major Themes

Social TeachingHuman Dignity & LifeReligious Freedom

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Pacem in Terris

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