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Which world problems did St. Paul VI discuss during his international journeys?
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St. Paul VI
In 1968 Pope Paul VI appeared in Geneva to address the International Labour Organization on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
During his international apostolic journeys, St. Paul VI consistently addressed several critical global issues. His primary themes focused on the following areas:
- World peace: He frequently advocated for the cessation of conflict and the promotion of harmony among nations, most notably during his 1965 address to the United Nations General Assembly.1
- Social justice: He emphasized the need for equitable treatment and the rights of the marginalized, a theme that dominated his pastoral visits and his encyclical Populorum progressio.12
- World hunger and illiteracy: He highlighted these as fundamental humanitarian crises that required urgent international attention and cooperation.1
- Brotherhood under God: He promoted the idea of universal human solidarity, encouraging mutual understanding across religious and cultural divides.1
- International cooperation: He urged nations to work together to solve complex global problems, often engaging with international bodies like the International Labour Organization to foster collective action.1
Through these travels, St. Paul VI sought to confront the world with the necessity of addressing these challenges with realistic courage and perseverance.3