Papal message highlights fundamental rights (freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and freedom of religion) that are threatened by nihilism. The "crisis of democracy" is the consequence of the ongoing economic and political crises. The Second Vatican Council and John XXIII's Pacem in Terris are remembered.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Benedict XVI chose "Blessed are the peacemakers" as the theme for the next World Day of Peace set for 1 January 2013.

In making the announcement, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace said that the Message will try to develop the concept of peace focusing on inner and outer peace, "highlighting the anthropological emergency and the nature and incidence of nihilism," as well as "fundamental rights, in the first place freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and freedom of religion."

The Message will also address the "worrying crisis of democracy" that is spreading as a result of the crisis of political institutions and the educational emergency that accompanies the current economic crisis.

"The Message will also look at the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and of the encyclical letter by Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, according to which the primacy is always for the human dignity and its freedom, for the building of an earthly city to the service of every person, without any discrimination, and directed to the common good which is based on justice and true peace."

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