Spring 2020

April 17, 2020

Posted by ICTC on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 9:35 AM PDT

Sign of the Times

PEACE ON EARTH:
Catholics continue to work for justice for all

April 11 marked the 57th anniversary of the publication of Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), the final encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII. Written in the midst of the Cold War, the Pope emphasized human dignity and equality among people and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and of the state. As we currently wrestle with these very issues it is a helpful reminder that the wisdom we seek may seem elusive at times, but also is a thread woven throughout the Catholic intellectual and social traditions.

Catholics continue to advocate for justice in the time of COVID-19; here are a few current headlines:

Pope Francis, hope in the pandemic, and the critical role of women

Pope Francis seems to be in the news almost daily. Commonweal published an interview with him in early April, where he discussed “A Time of Great Uncertainty,” reflecting on the experience of isolation, ecological concerns, the Church’s role in this crisis, and hopes for Lent and Eastertide. On April 8 it was announced that Pope Francis is creating a new commission on women deacons (NCR), followed by his Easter Monday prayer where he “singled out the crucial role women have played in combating the pandemic, comparing them to the faithful women of the Gospel” (America Magazine).

Click here to read the full April 17, 2020 Newsletter