At the launch of the book “Pour une éthique de la Fraternité et de la solidarité. Retour aux sources: Magistère Social de l’Eglise, de Léon XIII à Pie XII,” Bishop Vincent Harolimana of the Ruhengeri Diocese emphasized that peace cannot exist without justice.

The event, held at INES-Ruhengeri on June 4, was led by Father Jean Bosco Baribeshya, the Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri.

In his address, Bishop Harolimana expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement and reiterated that peace involves more than the absence of war; it includes the protection of people’s property, a key theme in the book.

When questioned about homosexuality and global injustice, Bishop Harolimana explained that the Popes covered in the book had addressed these issues during their times.

He emphasized the Church’s prophetic voice, which calls for valuing life as a divine gift and respecting God’s will in creation.

In the preface of the book, Bishop Harolimana highlights the Catholic Church’s detailed positions on social issues as outlined in pontifical documents, which are often challenging to interpret.

“This book aims to clarify the leadership of various Popes, from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Pius XII, particularly regarding their official documents. The period of their pontificates was marked by the Industrial Revolution, a time of significant conflict and upheaval, threatening peace and justice. Understanding the Church’s stance on these matters is crucial, making this book a valuable resource for intellectuals and pastoral ministers,” he writes.

The 400-page book, authored by Father Dr. Cassien Mulindahabi, a priest of the Ruhengeri Diocese and one of the founders of INES-Ruhengeri, explores the significance of peace and justice.

Titled “Pour une éthique de la Fraternité et de la solidarité. Retour aux sources: Magistère Social de l’Eglise, de Léon XIII à Pie XII,” it emphasizes the interconnectedness of peace and justice.

Father Mulindahabi echoed Bishop Harolimana’s sentiments, arguing that injustice arises from egoism. He identified private property, salaries, and work as areas where egoism is prevalent, stating that the desire to amass wealth and pay unfair wages undermines justice.

This book is the second volume of Father Mulindahabi’s exploration of the Catholic Church’s social doctrine, following his first volume titled “Plus d’un siècle du Social Discourse de l’Eglise,” which was presented on August 27, 2021.