Pope names Newark Archbishop to Justice and Peace Council Pope John Paul II has named Newark Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace for a five-year term. The objective of the Council is to promote justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church. The Council considers such issues as the world of work, international life, social development, the evolution of economic and financial systems and addresses problems related to the environment and the responsible use of the earth's resources. The Council has also traditionally reflected on questions related to war, disarmament and the arms trade, political systems and the role of Catholics in the political arena. Finally, the council promotes the dignity of the human person as the foundation for human rights around the globe. Archbishop McCarrick said of the appointment, "I am delighted to accept this assignment from the Holy Father. Pope John Paul II has made justice and peace a hallmark of his priestly life and papacy. I am really honored to join the members of the Council who support the Holy Father as he continues to promote the dignity and value of every human being in the world. History will acknowledge the enormous contributions this Holy Father has made to understanding, cooperation and world peace and development." The Council is made up of 40 lay persons, religious and priests from all over the world. There are three Americans currently serving on the Council, Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, and Nancy Wisdo of the United States Catholic Conference. Archbishop McCarrick has been a prominent figure in international efforts for peace, development and justice. He presently serves as chairman of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops International Policy Committee, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and a member of the U.S. State Department's Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad. He is also a former Public Member of the Helsinki Commission, chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Migration and their Committee for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. In a variety of these roles he has visited war torn countries and met with political and religious leaders to promote peace and justice. Locally, Archbishop McCarrick has been a leader in the area of social justice. Five years ago he established the Annual Labor and Business Dinner to improve dialogue between the labor movement and the business community in New Jersey. He also began a campaign to combat sweatshops in his archdiocese. This campaign gained national recognition and is being implemented throughout the country.
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