Excessive economic, social and cultural inequalities among peoples arouse tensions and conflicts, and are a danger to peace. As we said to the Fathers of the Council when we returned from our journey of peace to the United Nations: "The condition of the peoples in process of development ought to be the object of our consideration; or better: our charity for the poor in the world (and there are multitudes of them) must become more considerate, more active, more generous". To wage war on misery and to struggle against injustice is to promote, along with improved conditions, the human and spiritual progress of all men, and therefore the common good of humanity. Peace cannot be limited to a mere absence of war, the result of an ever precarious balance of forces. No, peace is something that is built up day after day, in the pursuit of an order intended by God, which implies a more perfect form of justice among men.

Paul VI: "Populorum Progressio

1951 | Nigeria

The first two Nigerians make their profession in Ireland as Spiritans: Frs. Godfrey Okoye and Anthony Nwedo.

1951 | Sierra Leone

Bishop Ambrose Kelly welcomes the Xaverian Fathers from Italy into his diocese; they are given the care of the Northern Province, centered on Makeni.

1951 | Mauritania

The only priests in the country are military chaplains. The Church of Rosso is built by Fr. Salomon (Spiritan) but it is not occupied until 1958.

1971 | Congo Brazzaville

Death of Mgr. Théophile Mbemba, the first local Archbishop of Brazzaville. He is succeeded by his coadjutor, Mgr. Biayenda.