Editing Pope Benedict XV (section)

=== ''Quod iam diu'' ===
''[[Quod iam diu]]'' was an encyclical given at Rome at St. Peter's on 1 December 1918, in the fifth year of his Pontificate. It requested that, after [[World War I]], all Catholics of the world pray for a lasting peace and for those who are entrusted to make such during peace negotiations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quod Iam Diu (December 1, 1918) {{!}} BENEDICT XV |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xv_enc_01121918_quod-iam-diu.html |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=www.vatican.va}}</ref>

The pope noted that true peace has not yet arrived, but the Armistice has suspended the slaughter and devastation by land, sea and air.<ref>''Quod iam diu'', 1</ref> It is the obligation of all Catholics to "invoke Divine assistance for all who take part in the peace conference," as the encyclical states. The Pope concludes that prayer is essential for the delegates who are to meet to define peace, as they are in need of much support.<ref>''Quod iam diu'', 2</ref>