Pacem in Terris Conference in Review
Over the course of this academic year, the Provost Office for Social Justice (Office) Initiatives has been busy working with colleagues across the University in preparing for the 50th Anniversary of Pacem in Terris (“Peace on Earth”), the papal encyclical released by Pope John XXIII on April 11, 1963. At that time, the world was affected by the heightening of Cold War pressures between the United States and the Soviet Union. Nuclear warfare was an ever-present danger that created a climate of war and hostility throughout the world. In response to these growing tensions and fears, Pope John released Pacem in Terris with the goal of promoting peace. The document was addressed not to members of the Church, but also for the first time, to “all men of good will.”
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As part of the anniversary celebration, on March 23 the Office co-sponsored a conference commemorating Pacem in Terris titled “Building Peace in Chicago and Beyond.” The conference brought together great minds from across the university and city to share what people are doing in the pursuit of peace in our neighborhoods, city, country and world, and to identify what needs to be done going forward.
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The Office is excited to share more about that Conference with you. We are proud of the work of the students, faculty, staff, community members, and others who made the conference such an important event. In a time of increasing tensions and growing conflict, it is inspiring to engage with others doing amazing work to foster peace at so many levels. While it has been fifty years since Pope John released Pacem in Terris, its purpose and hopes are still fervently alive. There has been a lot of work done in the pursuit of peace and there is a lot of work being done now as you will see. However, there is still much to be done and, as the last few months have shown us here at the Provost Office for Social Justice Initiatives, there are many great people who will continue the pursuit of creating a more just, peaceful world and keep the legacy of Pacem in Terris alive. Join with them!
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To read more about the conference, click here.
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To read Pacem in Terris, you can find it online here.
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