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ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS PIUS XII
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR INTERSTATE AND FOREIGN TRADE
OF THE CHAMBER OF UNITED STATES' REPRESENTATIVES *

Tuesday, 30 September 1947

 

Your presence, honourable members of Congress, naturally suggests to Our mind the importance of government and the very grave responsibility resting on those whose duty it is to govern a nation. The art of governing justly has never been easy for human nature to learn. To exploit the common people for the benefit of one individual or group is a temptation to ambitious men who have little conscience to check them; but it is not to govern. Nero's despotism was not government but oppression. Just government recognizes that its own power is limited by the basic human liberties of those who are governed, and it succeeds only when each one is ready for personal sacrifice in the interest of all.

What is true of a single nation may be applied to the larger family of nations, which today especially cannot escape close proximity and interdependence. The just and equitable exercise of legitimate government holds a key to the peace of the world. To that noble purpose—the world is more and more restless to attain it—We devote all Our energies, Our prayers and Our work.

May the God of peace and love grant you and your dear ones the blessings you most need.


*Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, IX,
 Nono anno di Pontificato, 2 marzo 1947- 1° marzo 1948, p. 255
 Tipografia Poliglotta Vaticana.



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