Vatican City, Jan 1, 2010 / 07:41 am
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God in Mass on January 1, a day which also marks the 43rd World Day for Peace. In his homily, the Pontiff made an appeal for investment in education based on respect for the human being and, in turn, for the protection of the environment and peace in the world.
The Pope’s message for the World Day for Peace 2010, "If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation," was presented in his homily on Friday at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope pointed to the revelation of the "Face of God" throughout Scripture and its manifestation in the birth of Christ as a point of meditation for bringing peace to the world.
The Pontiff said that we can see the reflection of the vision of God on the world today through the faces of innocent children, who make "a silent appeal to our responsibility." In light of their "defenselessness," said Benedict XVI, all justifications for war and violence cease to be valid. "We should simply convert ourselves to projects of peace, put down weapons of all types and work together to build a world worthy of man," exhorted the Pope.
Benedict XVI underscored that the "privileged way" which leads to peace is our ability to recognize in each other, "a brother in humanity," regardless of skin color, religion or origin.