Archbishop echoes Pope's message

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca dwelt on the theme of the first message for World Day of Peace by Pope Benedict XVI when he celebrated Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta yesterday to mark the day.

The Catholic Church observes the first day of the year as the World Day of Peace. In his message the Pope invited everyone to reflect on the values of truth and peace.

Archbishop Mercieca said that while the Pope reflected on truth and peace, he also spoke about the harm that lies caused.

"Lies was directly linked with the tragedy of sin, and the perverse consequences that had left and would continue to leave devastating effects on individuals and nations," he said, quoting Pope Benedict.

"Where lies take root, there cannot be peace among humans because lies destroyed peace.

"It is the truth that fostered peace, and those who really wanted to be witness of the value of peace should do their utmost to resist lies and uphold truth," he added.

Mgr Mercieca said that in his message the Holy Father also dwells on terrorism, which caused so much fear and insecurity among humans.

The Archbishop went on to say that the Pope remarks that when one assessed daily events, it can be noticed with satisfaction that there were certain signs of hope in the building of peace, among which that today there were fewer conflicts than in the past.

However, there still were conflicts and wars that were causing great concern and hardship in various parts of the world.

Mgr Mercieca said the Pope also referred to governments that looked on nuclear armaments as a means of security for their country.

But, he added, this was completely mistaken because, in the eventuality of a nuclear war, instead of winners there would only be victims.

"The 'truth of peace' demanded that governments, both those that possess nuclear armaments and others that sought to obtain them, would change their views and commit themselves through clear and sound decisions in favour of nuclear disarmament, and cuts in military expenditure and in the proliferation of weapons," he added.

This contributed so that resources, which otherwise would be used on armaments, would be applied to projects that helped the development of peoples, especially the poor.