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Abstract

This essay examines the historical context that led to Pope John XXIII’s proposal for a global “public authority” in his April 11, 1963, encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth). The catalyst for this letter was the Cuban Missile Crisis that occurred between October 22 and October 29, 1962. Pope John offered to mediate that crisis, and President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev agreed and eventually came to an agreement not only to end the crisis but also to negotiate a limited nuclear test ban treaty. In the last year of his life, a time for him of "metanoia" (change of heart), President Kennedy attempted to end the Cold War and promote nuclear disarmament. That metanoia coincided with John XXIII's prophetic vision, and it may have been the reason for President Kennedy's assassination. This essay also explores the core principles of Pacem in Terris that lead to John's call for a “public authority” as the most realistic strategy to end war itself and to secure peace for all nations. Finally, the essay briefly reflects on the European Union as a successful regional model that could help shape the global governance envisioned by John XXIII.

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