Pope says Christians have fundamental duty to work for peace, justice

Published: 2008-05-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians have a fundamental responsibility to work for peace and justice, which is tied inseparably to their mission to proclaim the Gospel, Pope Benedict XVI said. This social aspect of the faith is crucial as humanity faces new and important challenges in the 21st century, including economic justice and environmental protection, he said. The pope made the remarks May 3 in a speech to members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The academy was meeting to discuss Catholic social teaching and the common good. The pope said the technical aspects of social justice must be understood by Catholics in a framework of faith. "The responsibility of Christians to work for peace and justice, their irrevocable commitment to build up the common good, is inseparable from their mission to proclaim the gift of eternal life to which God has called every man and woman," he said.

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