Good Politics is at the Service of Peace

In pursuit of peace

Today marks the 60th anniversary from the publication of Pacem in Terris, an important encyclical written by Pope John XXIII in 1963 at a time when the world was undergoing significant changes and facing numerous challenges.

The cold war was at its peak and the world was divided into two ideological camps, with the threat of nuclear war constantly looming. At the same time, many countries struggled to overcome poverty, inequality and social injustice… Read more »

Good governance

If “honesty, justice, a sense of duty and transparency are the essential pillars of a mature civil society” (Pope Francis in Malta, Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps), how is Malta doing on this score? Whilst everyone seems to agree that Malta needs to embrace these principles of good governance, the level of distrust and cynicism shown by people towards anything political seems to be increasing at an alarming level… Read more »

The ring, the sandals & the robe

In the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15, 11-32), when the younger son returns home, the Father gives him some welcome-home gifts: a Ring, a pair of Sandals, and the best Robe. In this guide, the relevance of these three objects for our Christian lives is explored through a series of:

  • Icebreakers
  • Biblical reflections
  • Activities
  • Movie clips
  • Prayer moments
  • Follow-up actions

By becoming more aware of the gifts they have received, young participants (12-16 years) will also be invited to make a positive difference in the lives of others by committing themselves to faith-based participation in society… Read more »

Baħar Ċimiterju

The government’s continued abdication of search and rescue responsibilities is contributing to deaths in the Mediterranean

More than 1,300 people died or disappeared in the Central Mediterranean in 2022. These people – men, women, children, sons, and daughters – can be added to the deplorable death toll of more than 25,000 people who have died while crossing the Mediterranean since 2014… Read more »

Pope Benedict’s contribution to the Social Doctrine of the Church

A lot is being written these days about the figure of Benedict XVI, a pope of great intelligence, formation and humility, who will certainly go down in history books as a great theologian. In this brief article, I wish to summarize, what, in my opinion, were Benedict’s greatest contributions to the Social Doctrine of the Church.

When going through the writings of the different Popes, we will often notice quotes from their predecessors and or even from their previous writings… Read more »

aħseb u ara: Discussion guide

Il-Malta Catholic Youth Network u l-Kummissjoni Ġustizzja u Paċi ħejjew riżorsa ġdida biex takkumpanja is-serje ta’ podcasts aħseb u ara.

Din ir-riżorsa toffri gwida għal diskussjoni dwar it-temi mit-Tagħlim Soċjali tal-Knisja msemmija fil-podcast.

  1. Il-Polarizzazzjoni tad-Diskors
  2. Il-Prinċipji tat-Tagħlim Soċjali tal-Knisja
  3. L-Ambjent
  4. Il-Missjoni tal-Knisja
  5. Il-Familja
  6. L-Ekonomija
  7. Ix-Xogħol
  8. Il-Paċi

Ma’ kull tema ġew abbinati tliet jew erba’ filmati qosra, fejn ma’ kull filmat għandkom issibu:
• Kwotazzjoni mit-Tagħlim tal-Knisja jew diskorsi relevanti… Read more »

2022 Annual Report

In a year which was sadly marked by the return of war on European soil and daily reports of deadly injustices and senseless violence, the need to denounce situations of violent injustice, whilst proposing creative pathways which lead to more just and reconciled communities, has never been so urgently felt.

In this context, as a Commission, we make ours the words of the Holy Father who, whilst in Malta, highlighted the need to shore up the foundations of life in society, namely honesty, justice, a sense of duty and transparency… Read more »

Budget 2023: A Crucial Moment of Choice

The Justice and Peace Commission appreciates that the 2023 Budget is a Budget heavily conditioned by multiple crises.

While welcoming the numerous social measures announced, the Commission wishes to go beyond a simplistic commentary of individual budgetary measures, by inviting the Government to take on board four guiding principles that the Commission believes should serve as a guiding light in our choice of a socio-economic model which results in a more just, sustainable and reconciled society. 

Preferential option for the poor

Facing exceptional inflationary pressures, the Commission commends the Government for focusing its limited resources on those who have been worse hit by the cost-of-living crisis… Read more »

Peace, integral ecology and synodality

The International workshop 2022 of Justice and Peace Europe took place in Assisi from the 7th until the 9th of October. Participants were welcomed by the Franciscan community and led into the opening prayer by a group of young people who are actively engaged in the Italian Justice and Peace Commission. Daniel Darmanin (President) and Mark Cachia (Executive Officer) attended this meeting on behalf of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta… Read more »