Encyclical Letter "Pacem in Terris" (extract)

Pope John XXIII
(April 11, 1963)

(omissis)

"... Moreover, man has a natural right to be respected. He has a right to his good name. He has a right to freedom in investigating the truth, and--within the limits of the moral order and the common good--to freedom of speech and publication, and to freedom to pursue whatever profession he may choose. He has the right, also, to be accurately informed about public events.

He has the natural right to share in the benefits of culture, and hence to receive a good general education, and a technical or professional training consistent with the degree of educational development in his own country. Furthermore, a system must be devised for affording gifted members of society the opportunity of engaging in more advanced studies, with a view to their occupying, as far as possible, positions of responsibility in society in keeping with their natural talent and acquired skill." 9

(omissis)

"... Truth further demands an attitude of unruffled impartiality in the use of the many aids to the promotion and spread of mutual understanding between nations which modern scientific progress has made available. This does not mean that people should be prevented from drawing particular attention to the virtues of their own way of life, but it does mean the utter rejection of ways of disseminating information which violate the principles of truth and justice, and injure the reputation of another nation.." 55

(omissis)



Notes

(9) Cf.Pii XII Nuntius radiophonicus, datus prid. Nativ. D.N.I.C. anno 1942, A.A.S. XXXV, 1943, pp. 9-24.
(55) Cf. Pii XII Nuntius radiophonicus, datus prid. Nativ. D.N.I.C. anno 1940, A.A.S. XXXIII, 1941, pp. 5-14.

 


Pontifical Council for Social Communications - Palazzo San Carlo - 00120 Vatican City
Phone +39 06 69883197    +39 06 69883597 - Fax +39 06 69885373 - email