A universal pastor who speaks of hope

Just days ago, we were collectively caught up in the joyful visit of Pope Benedict XVI to America, the media, the Church and even non-Catholics, and listening intently to his words of encouragement and his message of love.

The United Nations address was supposed to be the highlight of his visit, but became one among many, so successful was the apostolic journey. His message to the UN, though, was a message to the world. My analysis and commentary is at MercatorNet now.

When a pope addresses the United Nations, he knows he is speaking to the world. John Paul II said as much when he went before the UN General Assembly on October 5, 1995 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. “In coming before this distinguished Assembly, I am vividly aware that through you I am in some way addressing the whole family of peoples living on the face of the earth,” he said in opening remarks. “My words…echo the voices of all those who see in the United Nations the hope of a better future for human society.”

His language was of human dignity and a universal moral law that protects all persons equally, words that echoed again when Pope Benedict XVI took to the floor of the UN General Assembly last week and spoke of the need for a “new humanism” that respects religious freedom and morally informed voices.

The piece is mostly Benedict, which it should be. Because it was so packed with wisdom, and the real roadmap to peace through universal human rights.