I punkt 49 i dokumentet Sacramentum Caritatis understreker paven at fredshilsenener en viktig del av messen. Dette underskrekes ved hjelp av flere skrifthenvisninger – Johannes 14.27 og Efeserbrevet 2.14. Likevel sier han også at man skal vise måtehold – i måten man gjør det på og hvor mange man hilser på – slik at det ikke blir et distraherende element rett før kommunionen:
We can thus understand the emotion so often felt during the sign of peace at a liturgical celebration. Even so, during the Synod of Bishops there was discussion about the appropriateness of greater restraint in this gesture, which can be exaggerated and cause a certain distraction in the assembly just before the reception of Communion. It should be kept in mind that nothing is lost when the sign of peace is marked by a sobriety which preserves the proper spirit of the celebration, as, for example, when it is restricted to one’s immediate neighbours.
I fotnote 150 diskuteres det så om fredshilsenen skal flyttes – muligens til rett før offertoriet – og paven ber de rette instanser om å undersøke den muligheten:
Taking into account ancient and venerable customs and the wishes expressed by the Synod Fathers, I have asked the competent curial offices to study the possibility of moving the sign of peace to another place, such as before the presentation of the gifts at the altar. To do so would also serve as a significant reminder of the Lord’s insistence that we be reconciled with others before offering our gifts to God (cf. Mt 5:23 ff.); cf. Propositio 23.