Addressing celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile, Pope Francis said this historic agreement can serve as a model for resolving today’s wars.
Vatican News
Vatican City, Monday, November 25, 2024: Pope Francis cordially receives the members of the diplomatic corps gathered in the Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile on November 29. November 1984. The Pope said he was satisfied that the treaty ended the long territorial dispute between the two countries with an honorable, just and equitable solution.
The treaty, which helped stabilize relations on the South American subcontinent, was facilitated by the Holy See, with Pope John Paul II playing a key role in mediating the conflict.
The Pope thanked the Embassies of Chile and Argentina for this initiative, greeted the respective delegations and officials present at this memorable event, the Cardinals and the Diplomatic Corps, as well as representatives of the Peace Mediators and Samvad made a new call to the world. at this special moment, saying that the strong commitment shown by both countries during the long and difficult negotiations and the results of peace and friendship can serve as an exemplary model. Are.
Since the first days of his pontificate, the Pope said, Saint John Paul II has been working not only to prevent the dispute between Argentina and Chile “from becoming a scandalous armed conflict, but also to find a way to definitively resolve this conflict.” ”. “We were also constantly worried about finding out.” At the request of both governments, with concrete and strict commitments, they agreed to mediate with the objective of proposing “a fair, equitable and honorable solution.” During the mediation process, the Holy Father expressed his wish in these words: “So that, thanks to the good will of both parties, a satisfactory solution can be found, based on justice and international law, which does not involve the use of force.” The title of the treaty between Argentina and Chile defines it in two words: peace and friendship.
First: peace
Pope Francis said that following the treaty’s ratification on May 2, 1985, Pope John Paul II expressed his joy because, in his words, the agreement “consolidates peace in a way that adequately guarantees its stability.” This gift of peace, the Pope stressed, will however require a daily effort to protect it from the obstacles that may oppose it and encourage all possible efforts to enrich it. In fact, the treaty provides adequate means to achieve two objectives, namely the resolution of differences and “the promotion of harmonious friendship through cooperation in all fields, the objective of which is closer integration of the two countries.” This model deserves to be proposed again in the current world situation for a complete, definitive and peaceful solution to the dispute.
Second: Friendship
Pope Francis said: “When the winds of war are blowing, there are recurring incidents of injustice, violence and inequality, as well as the grave climate crisis and unprecedented anthropogenic change, it is important that we stop and ask ourselves: Is there anything worth grief? living and waiting?” In fact, these setbacks, difficulties and failures can be seen as a call to introspection; They invite us to open our hearts to encounter God and to be more aware of ourselves, our neighbors and the realities that confront us. We discover that the value of human existence does not reside in things, in the successes achieved, in the race to compete, but above all in the relationship of love that sustains us, rooting our path in trust and hope. “Friendship with God, which is then reflected in all other human relationships, is the foundation of a happiness that will never fail.”
Chile and Argentina are not just neighbors, they are two brothers
On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the treaty, a commemorative ceremony was held at the Vatican on November 28, 2009, which included the visit of Mrs. Cristina Fernández Kirchner, President of Argentina, and Mrs. Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile. On that occasion, Pope Benedict XVI said that Chile and Argentina are not just two neighboring countries, but much more. “They are two brother peoples, united by brotherhood, respect and friendship, which is largely the result of the Catholic tradition at the root of their history and their rich cultural and spiritual heritage,” he stated.
The hypocrisy of appealing to peace by investing in weapons
Once again, the Pope highlighted the importance of the 1984 Treaty as an eternal example of how patient negotiation and compromise can lead to peaceful solutions, and expressed his hope that the spirit of peace and friendship will resolve current conflicts, which will affect international efforts to resolve them. the problem.
At the same time, he lamented the “hypocrisy” of many countries that talk about peace while investing in weapons: “This hypocrisy,” he stated, “always leads us to failure. The failure of brotherhood, of peace. Failure.”
“The international community must strengthen the force of law through dialogue, because dialogue ‘must be the soul of the international community.'”
Pope Francis concluded his speech by invoking God’s blessing on Argentina, Chile and all countries fighting for peace, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.
