RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, April 11, 2013, will mark the 50th anniversary of the encyclical Pacem in Terr is {Peace on Earth) by Pope John XXIII; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this anniversary by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The encyclical presented a renewed understanding of basic human rights and dignity; and
WHEREAS, Pacem in Terris addressed racism, the Cold War, political activity and the common good; and
WHEREAS, In Pacem in Terris Pope John XXIII stated that "disputes which may arise between nations must be resolved by negotiation and agreement, and not by recourse to arms"; arid
WHEREAS, Pacem in Terris was the first encyclical addressed not only to Catholics, but also to "all men of good will"; and
WHEREAS, Loyola University of Chicago, through its Institute of Pastoral Studies, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of this document by hosting a public lecture on peace presented by Senator George Mitchell; and
WHEREAS, A true statesman who has worked to forge peace in our day, the Honorable George Mitchell played an active role on the world stage in helping to establish peace in Northern Ireland; and
WHEREAS, George Mitchell's efforts exemplified the highest ideals of "negotiation and agreement" rather than "recourse to arms"; and
WHEREAS, George Mitchell is a skilled negotiator who is able to build consensus around common and lasting goals and embodies the spirit of Peace on Earth; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirteenth day of March, 2013, do hereby welcome the Honorable George Mitchell to the City of Chicago and hereby commend his role as a peacemaker of our age; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Thursday, April 11, 2013, shall be officially recognized as Senator George Mitchell Day throughout the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an official parchment copy of this resolution be presented to Senator George Mitchell.