The Evangelical Pope | If It’s to Be, It’s Up to me

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

               ⁸By day, the Lord directs his love,

                At night his song is with me—

                A prayer to the God of my life.

                __ Psalm 42: 8 (New International Version NIV)

Sydney, Australia 26 November 1986 | The task of finding a solution cannot be entrusted to any single group. People cannot look solely to governments as if they alone can effectuate solutions. Big or small business, union officials, or individuals in the workforce also do not have all the answers. Everyone must be concerned and involved in finding fair and equitable solutions. It starts by understanding the problems.

The rights of the human person are the critical element in the whole social and moral order to promote social justice. Play an active role by defending vital interests for the common good. Only if the economy is healthy will it be possible to provide good jobs, especially for the young. 

People realize that what happens in one part of the world affects many elsewhere. Global problems demand worldwide solutions through the solidarity of all. No country can isolate itself from the common challenge. ¹

…

To the Jewish Community in Sydney, Australia

               We, like you, have been taught to put a high value on human life and fundamental and inalienable human rights through the Law and the Prophets.

               Today, human life, which should be held sacred from conception, is being threatened in many ways.

               Violations of human rights are widespread.

This makes it all the more critical for all people of goodwill to stand together to defend life, defend the freedom of religious belief and practice, and defend all other fundamental human freedoms. ²

Pastoral Visit in Australia 1986

1. Excerpted from: Address of John Paul II to the Workers in the Factory ‘Transfield Limited,’ Sydney (Australia), 26 November 1986.

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1986/november/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19861126_operai-sidney-australia.html

2. Excerpted from: Address of John Paul II to the Representatives of the Jewish Community, Sydney (Australia), 26 November 198 https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1986/november/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19861126_com-ebraica-sidney-australia.html