India: bishops mark Pacem in Terris anniversary, lament arms imports

April 16, 2013

Recalling the fiftieth anniversary of Blessed John XXIII’s encyclical on peace, a committee of Indian bishops called upon the nation to restrict its arms imports.

“India – the largest importer of arms in the world, and one of the 24 countries that abstained from the UN Arms Trade Treaty – particularly needs to learn right lessons from what Pacem in Terris says about Arms race,” the Office for Justice, Peace and Development of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India said in a statement.

Citing the encyclical, the bishops added that the

arms race deprives less developed countries of social and economic progress (no.109) and creates a climate of fear (no.111). “Justice, then, right reason, and consideration for human dignity and life demand that the arms race cease.” (no.112)

 

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Further information:

• Press Release: Fifty Years of Pacem in Terris (Office for Justice, Peace and Development, CBCI)
• India needs to learn arms control: bishops (UCA News)
• 50th anniversary of John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris (CWN, 4/12/13)