Vatican City, Jul 16, 2012 / 16:28 pm
Pope Benedict XVI will use his annual message for the 46th World Day of Peace this Jan. 1 to examine the "worrying crisis of democracy," the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace said July 16.
The pontiff will examine "fundamental rights" including freedom of conscience, expression and religion. He will also reflect upon the measures taken to contain contemporary financial and economic crises and "the crisis of the institutions and politics."
The pontifical council said that this institutional crisis is in many cases a "crisis of democracy."
The Pope has chosen the day's theme as "Blessed are the peacemakers." His message will encourage everyone to "take responsibility" for building peace, and will examine "the fullness and diversity of the concept of peace," including "inner peace."