In a late summer address following the Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI warned the Church and the world of the dangers of nationalism and violence saying that, recently,

"the international situation has registered an increase in tension that is deeply disturbing. We have to note, with bitterness, the risk of a gradual deterioration of that atmosphere of trust and collaboration between nations which ought, instead, to characterize their relations. In the present circumstances how can we not assess all of humanity's efforts to form that common awareness of being the "family of Nations" that Pope John Paul II pointed out to the General Assembly of the United Nations as an ideal? We must deepen our awareness of being bound together by a common destiny, which is ultimately transcendent (cf. Message for the World Day of Peace, 1 January 2006, n. 6) in order to ward off a return to forms of nationalistic opposition that have led to so many tragic consequences in other seasons of history. Read more

The Sign of Peace journal brings a theological and scholarly look to matters of war and peace.

The Summer 2008 issue focuses on the 25th anniversary of the NCCB's pastoral letter,The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response.