Ubi primum (Benedict XV.)

The Apostolic Letter Ubi primum of Pope Benedict XV. , dated September 8, 1914.

Immediately after the outbreak of the First World War , the Pope addressed the warring nations and all Catholics of this world with this exhortation . He denounced the outbreak of war in an extremely harsh manner ; he noted with horror and bitterness that the blood of Christians was flowing in this war and that parts of Europe were being ravaged by fire. The Pope called himself father and shepherd, and called for the rescue of the peace , he wanted to use all power available to him to avert this disaster from his flock.

He further wrote:

“Therefore we will supplicate God with our eyes and hands raised to heaven. We admonish and swear to all children of the Church and especially those in power. We ask God that he may remove the scourges of anger from the sins of the peoples through his mercy and righteousness. "

Benedict XV asked and implored those to whom the fate of the peoples had been entrusted and urged them to end the quarrel in the interests of human society.

Web links

• Text of the Apostolic Letter (Italian)