THEME OF WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2003 ANNOUNCED

VATICAN CITY, JUL 4, 2002 (VIS) - The theme of John Paul II's message for the 36th World Day of Peace, which will take place on January 1, 2003, was made public today: "Pacem in terris: A Permanent Commitment", taken from the title of the encyclical by Pope John XXIII.

"While commemorating the 40th anniversary of Blessed John XXIII's encyclical, the message will emphasize the four foundations of peace, in light of the present circumstances: 'Peace is but an empty word if it does not rest upon that order which our hope prevailed upon us to set forth in outline in this encyclical. It is an order that is founded on truth, built up on justice, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom.'"

The message "will highlight the precarious state of peace in the world and will encourage everyone to carefully contemplate the signs of the times and to prudently consider the fundamental values necessary to construct an authentic human coexistence."

"Keeping in mind," concludes the document, "the distress caused by the outbreak of terrorism and other forms of fratricidal struggles, the Holy Father, John Paul II, will evoke the everlasting reality of these fundamental values and will call for a new and brave commitment to peace."

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