«The State in which there is no justice is not a State». Pope Leo remembers this by opening his first judicial year, in the Hall of Blessings, in front of the Vatican City State Court. He quotes Saint Augustine to say that «without justice the State cannot be administered; it is impossible for one to have rights in a State where there is no true justice. The act that is carried out according to law is certainly carried out according to justice and it is impossible for the act that is carried out against justice to be carried out according to law. The state in which there is no justice is not a state. In fact, justice is the virtue that gives each his due. Therefore it is not man’s justice that takes man away from the true God.”
Furthermore, the Pontiff underlines that «justice in the Church is not a mere technical exercise of the norm, but a ministry at the service of the People of God. It requires, in addition to legal competence, also wisdom, balance and a constant search for truth in charity. Every decision, every process and every judgment are called to reflect that search for truth which is at the heart of the life of the Church.”
«Through careful discernment of the facts, respectful listening to the people involved and the correct application of the rules to faithfully represent the principles of the legal system, you participate in a mission that is both juridical and spiritual”explains the Pontiff.
AND when “justice is exercised with integrity and fidelity to the truth, it becomes a factor of stability and trust within society, generating unity as a natural consequence”. Leone therefore exhorted: «Continue to carry out this service with integrity, prudence and an evangelical spirit». At the same time he hoped that «justice is always illuminated by truth and accompanied by mercy, since both find their fullness in Christ. Thus law, applied with rectitude and ecclesial spirit, becomes a precious tool for building communion and strengthening the unity of the People of God.” Finally, Leone entrusts the work of the Tribunal «to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, so that she may accompany you with her protection. And I cordially impart to you the apostolic blessing, pledge of communion and peace for you and for your service to justice, truth and unity”.
