The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-07-10
First Encyclical Urges Unity

establishing Of a solid, true
and genuine peace or are slip
ping in complete blindness to-
ward a new and frightful war
like conflagration.
I'VE say complete blind.
ness for (which God pre-
vent "a new war breaks out
nothing else will await or con-
front all peoples, tsUeh are the
dreadful ornaments which our
age brings into play, but sp-
paIIing destruction and ruin,
and this whether they are
victor or vanquished.
I'VE therefore ask all, and
statesmen in particular, that
they ponder these matters
prudently and earnestly be-
fore God the judge; and, as a
result, with genuine good will,
be ready to try every APP
proach which may lead to the
essential unity $50.
This kind of harmonious
unity which is sought among
peoples and nations, it is nee
essary to promote more and
more classes of citizens. I'm
less this is achieved, mutual
hatred and rivalries, as we
have seen, can exist; these
will result in disorderly as
semblies, rioting, and some
times even in murders, to-
gether with the daily dimin-
ishing and endangering of
public and private resources"
The Pontiff stated that as
the head of the Universal
Church he is in an exception
al position to give counsel on
peace to the worlds states
men.
I'VE exhorf TO this harmony
and peace those, particularly,
who hold the reins of govern
ment in their hands," he stat
ed. Because we have a posi-.
fion above interstate rivalries,
and embrace ell nations with
a like charity, and are influ-
enced by no earthly advantag-
es, no motives OF political
domination, no desires in this
present life, we are of fhe
opinion that, when we speak
on this serious question, we
can be Judged and listened 10
with fairness and absence of
bias by all men no matter
their race"
The Holy Father also criti.
cized those who are trying to
stir up unrest between social
classes and trying to disturb
human society" He observed
that at present many of the
distinctive marks between
classes have lessened because
of progress in the labor field.
He called attention, how
ever, TO TOO many differences
in material possessions
TOO many causes of enmity be-
tween various groups" de-
plored the speefer of unem-
pIoymenf, and urged govern
menf leaders TO provide work.
He exhorted chose who
hold responsible positions in
the various fields of human
labor, and on whom the lot OF
The workers and sometimes
their very life depends, not
only that they take careful ac-
court of the wage the workers
obtain by their labor in the
recognition Of their rights, but
also that they really consider
them as men, or rather, as
brothers"
Lastly, in this sphere of ac-
tlyity, he stressed the need for
the unity of the family as a
basic unit of society.
He made this recommends,
ton to the family:
Let the father of the fam
lily take the place of God
among his children, and not
only by his authority but by
the upright example OF his
life also. stand clearly in the
first place. Let the mother,
however. rule firmly and
asreeabiy over her offspring
by oentleness and virtue in
the domestic setting; LET her
behave with indulgence and
love towards her husband,
and along with him, LET her
carefully instruct and train
her family. the most precious
gift given by God, TO live an
upright and religious life"
In speaking of the forth.