The quest for peace

Celebrating Pacem in Terris and its legacy, sixty years later

On April 11, 1963, St. John XXIII signed one of the fundamental texts of the modern era dedicated to peace – the Encyclical Pacem in Terris. This occurred during a very tense historical moment, at a time of deep, grave, international crisis. For the author the concept of “peace” meant the universal progress of each individual, of each respective nation. Peace is not simply the absence of war. Nor is it a balancing act between hostile parties, between opposing military arsenals. At its core, peace is a collective, communal phenomenon – a phenomenon with an affirmative sign that engages individuals or entire nations, the human race as a whole.
Sixty years later, despite the significant world changes that have occurred since its signing, the Encyclical Pacem in Terris is still extremely relevant and is considered the “patrimony of humanity”. This book was born out of the international scientific conference that took place on 26 June 2023 in the historical “Prof. Marin Drinov” hall of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences that aimed to be a moment of reflection on the historical impact of Pacem in Terris, to confirm its relevance, and to mobilize – through scientific diplomacy – efforts to promote peace, justice and human rights in the contemporary world.