World Day of Peace Message 2005

"At the beginning of the New Year, I once again address the leaders of nations and all men and women of good will, who recognize the need to build peace in the world.

"For the theme of this 2005 World Day of Peace I have chosen Saint Paul's words in the Letter to the Romans: 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good' (12:21).

"Evil is never defeated by evil; once that road is taken, rather than defeating evil, one will instead be defeated by evil.

"The great Apostle brings out a fundamental truth: peace is the outcome of a long and demanding battle which is only won when evil is defeated by good. If we consider the tragic scenario of violent fratricidal conflicts in different parts of the world, and the untold sufferings and injustices to which they have given rise, the only truly constructive choice is, as Saint Paul proposes, to flee what is evil and hold fast to what is good (cf. Rom 12:9).

"Peace is a good to be promoted with good: it is a good for individuals, for families, for nations and for all humanity; yet it is one which needs to be maintained and fostered by decisions and actions inspired by good. We can appreciate the profound truth of another saying of Saint Paul: 'Repay no one evil for evil' (Rom 12:17).

"The one way out of the vicious circle of requiting evil for evil is to accept the Apostle's words: 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good' (Rom 12:21)."

John Paul II
World Day of Peace Message 2005 (excerpt)
issued December 8, 2004