Pacem in Terris

encyclical by John XXIII

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July 1, 2026

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Pacem in terris, meaning "Peace on Earth," is a significant social encyclical issued by Pope St. John XXIII in 1963. This encyclical addressed the global community, advocating for peace and justice. It emphasized the importance of human rights, the dignity of every individual, and the need for international cooperation to resolve conflicts. Pope John XXIII called for the Second Vatican Council to modernize the church, and Pacem in terris was part of his broader vision for a more just and peaceful world. The encyclical remains a foundational document in Catholic social teaching, promoting universal peace through respect for human rights and international solidarity.12

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St. John XXIII
Reign as pope
His major encyclical, Pacem in terris (Latin: “Peace on Earth”), addressed to all humankind, was received warmly throughout the world and praised by politicians as well as churchmen. Straightforward and frankly optimistic, it avoids the language of diplomacy and sets forth the requirements for world peace in profoundly…
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His major encyclical, Pacem in terris (Latin: “Peace on Earth”), addressed to all humankind, was received warmly throughout the world and praised by politicians as well as churchmen. Straightforward and frankly optimistic, it avoids the language of diplomacy and sets forth the requirements for world peace in profoundly…
Read More

Roman Catholicism
The Second Vatican Council
Two years later, in Pacem in terris (April 11, 1963; “Peace on Earth”), John addressed himself not only to members of the church, but also to “all Men of Good Will.” In this encyclical he formulated, more completely than any previous pope had done, a social philosophy of peace…
Read More
Two years later, in Pacem in terris (April 11, 1963; “Peace on Earth”), John addressed himself not only to members of the church, but also to “all Men of Good Will.” In this encyclical he formulated, more completely than any previous pope had done, a social philosophy of peace…
Read More