April 11 in History
1963 – Pope John XXIII issues Pacem in terris, the first encyclical addressed to all Christians instead of only Catholics, and which described the conditions for world peace in human terms
Issued on this day in 1963, Pacem in terris (lit. ’Peace on Earth’) is a papal encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII 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”. 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
-Wikipedia
Photo Caption – Pope John XXIII signing Pacem in Terris – CNS
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