America the Beautiful
Living Words from Pope John Paul II
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Adolfo López Mateos Hall of the Presidential Residence, Mexico City, Mexico – 23 January 1999 | America is a continent of diverse nations, from advanced to less developed. Even within countries like Mexico, social conditions vary. It’s vital to respect these differences and promote dialogue and cooperation.
America is a vast, diverse continent with a rich history, stretching from the North Pole to the South Pole. Its origins include civilizations such as the Maya, Olmec, Aztec, and Inca. Interactions with the Old World and Christianity helped shape a shared identity. America excels at fostering values that motivate and influence people, especially in key roles globally.
Imagine a future called the “Continent of Hope,” where communities and leaders share values. The Church and other religious groups in America can help build this moral foundation—by encouraging independent, ethical thinking beyond popular opinion. Clear principles like “Thou shalt not kill,” “Thou shalt not lie,” “Thou shalt not steal or envy,” and respecting everyone’s dignity are key. These sacred values, rooted in the Decalogue – the Ten Commandments – and cherished across faiths, promote universal care and shape societies.
These principles should serve as a compassionate shield, protecting every life stage from start to finish. This includes opposing aggressive wars, destructive weapons, and corruption that harms society beyond borders. It also involves resisting unlawful intrusion into privacy, such as forced sterilization or laws threatening free living. We must oppose deceptive advertising, challenge monopolies that hinder progress, and prevent drug abuse from harming youth.
Significant progress has been made, with international conventions working to curb abuses. Countries collaborate to establish zones where activities are regulated and protected by principles that promote fairness and safeguard the rights of individuals, communities, and cultures.
Much work remains ahead. As we near the end of a century and a millennium marked by remarkable scientific and technological progress, we are also reminded of the visible scars these advances often leave—sometimes painfully—showing where we’ve fallen short in upholding our core moral values. Instead of neglecting these principles again, we should focus on strengthening their ethical and moral authority to guide us toward a better future.
Sharing these thoughts, I am inspired to defend human dignity, guided by God’s divine Word.
Excerpted from the writings of Pope John Paul II
Pastoral Visit to America
Address to the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to Mexico
Adolfo López Mateos Hall, Presidential Residence, Mexico City, Mexico — Saturday, 23 January 1999