Vatican City, Dec 14, 2012 / 17:05 pm
More than anything else, the path to peace involves "respect for human life in all its many aspects," Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for the annual World Day of Peace.
"At the birth of Jesus, the angels proclaim the message 'glory to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will.' With the birth of the savior, peace was wished for the earth, for humanity," Cardinal Peter K. Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, remarked to CNA Dec. 14.
"Peace was offered and declared for humanity. My hope for next year is that this becomes real for humanity, that humanity begins more and more to realize the peace that was declared and announced at the birth of the Lord."
The World Day of Peace is celebrated each year on Jan. 1, but the Pope usually releases his message for occasion in advance, as he did today. This year's celebration will be the 46th time the day has been observed since it was established by Pope Paul VI.