"Nothing is lost with peace!"

Some Catholic websites are reporting today on a story from the Vatican's newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Pope Pius XII's radio message calling for peace on the eve of the Second World War.

The political situation in Europe had been deteriorating for some time, but things accelerated quickly in August of 1939. On August 23, The Soviets and Nazis signed a non-agression pact, surprising many that these ideaological enemies could come to this agreement.

On the next day (August 24), Pope Pius XII surprised the world by broadcasting a radio message "to the heads of state and peoples of the world faced with the immenent danger of war" from his summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. He told people (in my very sketchy translation, aided by Google),

It is through the force of reason, not weapons, that justice is achieved. Empires not founded by justice are not blessed by God...Nothing is lost with peace! Everything can be lost with war!

Unfortunately, the plea for peace fell on deaf ears and eight days later Hitler's army invaded Poland, bringing the world to war.

As we recall the days leading to World War II, it would be a good time to thank God for the countless sacrifices made by good people throughout the world to defend freedom, especially in World War II. It also might be good to ask God to grant us peace.

Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, "Peace to you," grant us peace.

Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice,
and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend
the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
Pope John XXIII, Prayer for Peace