It has been 40 years since the implementation of “World Day of Peace” by Pope Paul VI in 1968. Pope Benedict XVI issued the "2008 World Day of Peace" message on December 8. Its theme is: "The Human Family, A Community of Peace”.

The Pope pointed out that each family is the root of social harmony. Good example of parents to their children is absolutely necessary. Only harmonious families can create harmonious children. The responsibility of our society is to provide each family with adequate resources, i.e., housing, employment, medical care, education and so on are protected.

For the next generation, we cannot ignore the importance of protecting the environment. Wealthy countries should not exploit the resources of poor countries, because we are the sons and daughters of the same land.

Beside enjoying material prosperity as a result of business development, we should also increase our spiritual and moral values. Human law should protect human rights derived from natural law. At the same time, the powers of the state should not go beyond the law of God. Internationally, the urgent task is to cease all nuclear competitiveness and to promote the trend of world peace in Africa, Middle East and throughout the whole world.

The message of our Pope enlarges our vision, enabling us to focus on family unity and, at the same time, suggests to us that it is important to pay equal attention to world issues.