Last rites declaration of Ioannes Paulus PP. II (Karol Wojtyla)
2nd April 2005
--
The majority is the best way, because it is visible and has strength to make
itself obeyed. Yet it is the opinion of the least able.
If men could have done it, they would have placed might in the hands of
justice. But as might does not allow itself to be managed as men want,
because it is a palpable quality, whereas justice is a spiritual quality of
which men dispose as they please, they have placed justice in the hands of
might. And thus that is called just which men are forced to obey.
Hence comes the right of the sword, for the sword gives a true right.
Otherwise we should see violence on one side and justice on the other (end
of the twelfth Provincial Letter). Hence comes the injustice of the Fronde,
which raises its alleged justice against power. It is not the same in the
Church, for there is a true justice and no violence.
879. Injustice.--Jurisdiction is not given for the sake of the judge, but
for that of the litigant. It is dangerous to tell this to the people. But
the people have too much faith in you;