Gaudium Et Spes

• After witnessing great poverty, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical GAUDIUM ET SPES ~ Joy and Hope (1965)
• It’s main message is that humans are made Imago Dei so they must all be given basic equality
• GAUDIUM ET SPES says we must “safeguard the basic rights of man”
• Peace does not mean the absence of war ~ peace is the result of men thirsting for greater justice
• World peace can only come about when all men freely share their talents with others and respect the dignity of all
• Real peace is the “fruit of human love and kindness” (Francis)
• We must recognise our “brotherhood” with all people
• “If you want peace, work for Justice” - Pope Paul VI
• As a result, the Catholic Church promotes work that helps the poor and the sick, such as CAFOD
• Can war and conflict ever be justified when it results in death and destruction?
• Refugee crisis ~ we cannot turn away those desperately fleeing danger as they are made in gods image too