The Harmony of Justice and Mercy
Living Words from John Paul II
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The Vatican – 9 December 1999 | Peace and justice go hand in hand, and forgiveness is essential to that journey. I hope to share this message with everyone—whether you’re a believer or not—because it matters to everyone who genuinely cares about humanity’s well-being and future.
We keep in our prayers even those who have seriously wronged God and humanity through such hurtful actions. We hope they will acknowledge their mistakes and reflect on the consequences of their actions, guiding them to release violent thoughts and seek forgiveness.
In these challenging times, let’s wish for humanity to find genuine and lasting peace that can only blossom from the harmony of justice and mercy.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Excerpted from the writings of Pope John Paul II
Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace
1 January 2000
Read the original Vatican text