Overconfidence in our power, made even more pronounced byĪdvances in science and technology, has created the illusion of a life Home, it has fueled self-absorption, indifference and consumeristĮxcess. economicĪnd military power has sometimes led to grave injustices abroad. But success often bears the seeds of failure. Rightly proud of your country's great achievements." 3ģ. The United States has thrived because, at its best, itĮmbodies a commitment to human freedom, human rights and human dignity. Struggle for social justice and equal opportunity for theĭisadvantaged. This nobility of the American spirit endures today in those who Sanctity of human life in all conditions and at all stages ofĢ. The United States lies "especially respect for the dignity and Recognition of the rights of the human person. As Pope John Paul has observed, "At theĬenter of the moral vision of founding documents is the On other continents - teaching, advising and providing humanitarianĪssistance to people in need. More have lived lives of service to those principles - both at home and In this century alone, hundreds of thousands ofĪmericans have died defending those principles. But the nobility of theĪmerican experiment flows from its founding principles, not from itsĬommercial power. U.S.Įconomic success has reshaped the world. Of self-reliance and independence and also cooperation." 1Įxactly this, and much more, has happened in the decades since. Love of freedom, a feeling for the quality of opportunity, a tradition īuilders of roads teachers" of the United States would spreadĪcross the globe to promote economic success and American ideals: "a Luce hoped that the "engineers, scientists, doctors. When Henry Luce published his appeal for an "American century" inġ941, he could not have known how the coming reality would dwarf hisĭream. Use it well, America!" -Pope John Paul II, Newark, 1995ġ. Your power of exampleĬarries with it heavy responsibilities. Society at an advanced stage of development.
"Your country stands upon the world scene as a model of a democratic Proclamation of the truth in love is an indispensable way for us to Pastors in proclaiming the Gospel of Life. In this statement we attempt to fulfill our role as teachers and Urgent and essential service not just to the Catholic community but to When we preach the liberating message of Jesus Christ we are Hesitate, do not be afraid to engage the good fight of the faith (cf. Today I believe the Lord is saying to us all: do not United States, our Holy Father Pope John Paul II spoke these words: Now the word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you a prophet to the nations I appointed you.Īt the conclusion of the 1998 ad limina visits of the bishops of the A Statement by the Catholic Bishops of the United States