Pope’s theme for Lent: “Justice founded in love”

Pontiff Encourages Work With the Poor

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 14, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is affirming that Jesus satisfies man’s “thirst for justice,” through his Divine love rather than political revolution.

The Pope stated this today in a public address before he prayed the midday Angelus with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

He reflected on today’s liturgy and the Gospel reading of the Beatitudes.

“The beatitudes are based on the existence of a divine justice,” the Pontiff affirmed, “which raises up those who have been wrongly humiliated and casts down those who have been exalted.” Read more

Pope Benedict Praises Nonviolence

Pontiff Calls Volunteers Peace Workers
Addresses Youth of Italy’s Civil Service

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 29, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI called the youth volunteers of Italy’s civil service “workers of peace” and congratulated them on their enthusiasm and generosity.

“Peace is never attained once and for all, but must be built up ceaselessly,” he said, quoting the Vatican II pastoral constitution Gaudium et spes. “How real this observation is! Unfortunately, wars and violence never end, and the search for peace is always a toilsome business.”

Quoting the council fathers, the Pontiff explained: “New approaches based on reformed attitudes must be taken to remove this trap and to emancipate the world from its crushing anxiety through the restoration of genuine peace.”

According to Benedict XVI, “the authentic conversion of hearts represents the right way, the only way that can lead each one of us and all humanity to the peace that we hope for.”

“It is the way indicated by Jesus: He — the King of the universe — did not come to bring peace to the world with an army, but through refusing violence,” he added. Read more

Join us in prayer, as Vatican hosts worldwide Mennonite representatives

Please join us in prayer as Mennonite delegates from 10 countries around the world travel to Rome for continuing consultations on Mennonite-Catholic dialogue and peace.   Read more