Title: Pope Paul VI and his Quest for Peace: 1963-1978 – Volume 2
Author: Rev. John F. Tuohey, PhD.
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8-3694-3390-4
Pages: 109
Genre: Non-Fiction / Biographical / Religious / Catholic
Reviewer: Susan Brown
Pacific Book Review
A quest connotes a journey, either metaphorical or actual, towards a goal. Generally, there are obstacles to overcome and difficulties to navigate. A quest can be long and arduous, challenging the quester’s commitment. But, inherent in the concept is the quester’s perseverance to succeed. Rev. Tuohey has given us, in this his second book on Pope Paul VI, the inspiring narrative of a man who never vacillated in his quest for peace in our world.
Pope Paul VI was the head of the Catholic Church for more than a decade and for much of that time the United States was waging war in Vietnam. This is an interesting historical parallel in this narrative that the author presents — a man promoting peace to US leaders at a time the country was embroiled in what at times, seemed like an unremitting conflict. The historical details of the Vietnam War are a compelling backdrop to this Pope’s message, one that never wavered. He wrote, “The measure of our desire for peace must be greater than the difficulty of achieving it.”
He also said, “…dialogue is the pathway to that equilibrium that is peace.” And dialogue he did, both in his written and verbal communications. In fact, the focus of this second volume writes the author is, “his [Pope Paul VI] enduring vision of and the pathways to peace articulated in his annual New Year’s Day Peace Messages.” In his first message in 1968 he “defines the purpose of what is truly a new genre of papal teaching: to give greater insight in the substance of an ‘exact idea of peace’” and, at the same time, inaugurated World Peace Day to be celebrated on New Year’s Day. In his subsequent messages he maintained his role as “a prophet of peace,” as well in his address, twice, to the United Nations.
This book is wonderfully inspiring. Rev. Tuohey has expertly woven an extensive amount of the Holy Father’s words throughout this second volume. It is hard not to be moved by concepts like: “Choose to become neighbors, to become friends with one another; War will disappear on its own if we create, invent, produce, and make genuine peace; Love of peace rather than fear of war; Peace is another word for human rights; An essential element of creating peace is reconciliation.”
You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate Pope Paul VI’s words. The statement, “If you want peace, create peace” is applicable to all of us, in every country, community and congregation, worldwide. After reading the second in this two volume work by Rev. Tuohey, I am looking forward to reading Volume 1 to gain a deeper understanding of Pope Paul VI’s perspectives. This volume explores the intersection of Catholic teaching, international diplomacy, and moral leadership, making it essential reading for theologians, historians, and anyone concerned with the Church’s mission in the modern world.
