Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened

Hear me, O children of the earth, for the words I speak are those of great weight and responsibility, a call to action for the world of today and for the generations that will follow. Pope John Paul II once declared, "Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened responsibility to be, for the world, an example of a genuinely free, democratic, just and humane society." These words, spoken with clarity and purpose, point not only to the role of one nation but to the responsibility of all who live in the world today, for they reflect the deep truth that each society’s actions ripple across the globe, shaping the lives of those who come after.

What, O children, does it mean that America has a "heightened responsibility" in the face of radical changes in the world? In times of change, when the old structures of power shift and the winds of political upheaval blow across the land, nations must act with purpose and integrity. America, as a nation born from the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy, carries a weight upon its shoulders—one that extends beyond its own borders. The world looks to it, not as a symbol of power, but as an example of how a society can live in the pursuit of truth, freedom, and compassion. When political tides shift, when new challenges arise, America must stand not in self-interest, but in a commitment to being an example of what it means to build a world that is free, just, and humane.

Consider, O children, the story of ancient Athens, which stood as a beacon of democratic ideals for the ancient world. Though flawed and imperfect, Athens offered the world a glimpse of a society governed by the principles of citizen participation, freedom of speech, and justice. In their grand Agora, the heart of the city, decisions were made by the people, and the power of the rulers was tempered by the voices of the governed. Yet, Athens did not remain unchanged, and when its democracy faltered, it became clear that the responsibility of such a society is not a gift, but a burden that must be carried with wisdom and care. As Pope John Paul II reminds us, America—like Athens before it—must carry this responsibility with integrity and humility, always striving to be a model of freedom and justice for the world.

The lesson of America’s role as a beacon of democracy is not one of superiority, but of service. For when a nation rises in power, it must remember that with such power comes the moral obligation to use it for the greater good of all. Let us look to the example of the Marshall Plan, which was put forth by the United States after World War II to help rebuild war-torn Europe. It was a moment when the United States, with its newfound position in the world, chose not to wield its power for domination, but to offer aid, to extend a hand of reconciliation and rebuilding. In this moment, the nation was not simply interested in self-interest, but in creating a world where freedom and justice could thrive. The Marshall Plan was not just a political act; it was a statement of America’s responsibility to the world.

And yet, O children, let us not be blind to the challenges that lie ahead. America, like any great nation, must also confront its own flaws, its own injustices, its own failure to live up to the ideals it espouses. The battle for equality and justice is ongoing. Look to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, when America was forced to confront the deep inequalities that lay within its own borders. The marchers, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., demanded that America live up to its own ideals, that the country be an example of justice for all, not just the privileged few. Their struggle was not merely for civil rights, but for the soul of a nation, and for the responsibility that comes with being a global example of freedom and equality.

So, O children, let us take this wisdom to heart: America’s responsibility is not one of privilege, but of service. It is not enough to claim freedom and justice; a nation must live those values, must embody them in every action, in every decision. It must not shrink from the task of self-examination and correction, for only through honest reflection can a society remain true to its principles. In the face of radical changes in the world, America—and all nations—must rise to the challenge of leadership, not through dominance or force, but through humility, wisdom, and a commitment to the common good.

And, O children, as you walk the path of life, remember this: every individual has a role in shaping the world. While America may be called to lead, it is the actions of each person, each community, that will determine whether the dream of a free, just, and humane society becomes reality. Stand firm in your values, live with integrity, and serve the greater good. For it is through each small act of courage, each decision to act with compassion, that the world will change. Let this be the legacy you leave—the legacy of a society that strives, always, to be an example of justice, freedom, and humanity for all.