Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano posed that question Tuesday when he opened the academic year at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.
Quoting John Paul II’s encyclical «Dives in Misericordia,» the cardinal answered: «Historical experience and that of our time demonstrate that justice alone is not enough.»
«What is more, it can lead to the negation and annihilation of itself, if that far more profound force, love, is not allowed to suffuse human life in its different dimensions,» he added.
«Love is the form of God’s relation with man and vice versa. Therefore, it is the loftiest and most noble relation, able to fulfill man,» the cardinal said. «Love that is revealed this way illuminates all the sectors of human life, beginning with out relations with our fellow men.»
«If it was lacking in an obvious way and for a long time, the consequences would be very negative for man,» he warned. «Therefore, the civilization of love must be the great commitment of the Church for the third millennium.»
