The World Day of Peace 2025, celebrated on January 1, and in England and Wales the Catholic Church and Pax Christi promote the day on the second Sunday of Ordinary time.
The day marks a pivotal moment for reflection and action in our shared pursuit of global harmony. This year’s theme, “Forgive Us Our Trespasses: Grant Us Your Peace,” resonates deeply in the context of the Jubilee Year, a time of hope, renewal, and reconciliation. Inspired by Pope Francis’s profound message, the day calls attention to the interconnected challenges facing humanity, including environmental crises, social inequalities, and conflicts that hinder the path to peace. It serves as an invitation to embrace forgiveness, solidarity, and sustainable action as foundations for building a just and peaceful world for future generations.
In his message for the 58th World Day of Peace, titled “Forgive Us Our Trespasses: Grant Us Your Peace,” Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of hope and God’s mercy during the Jubilee Year. He highlights the interconnected challenges threatening humanity, such as environmental degradation, the mistreatment of migrants, disinformation, and excessive military spending. To address these issues, the Pope proposes three concrete actions: forgiving international debt, abolishing the death penalty, and reallocating military expenditures to establish a global fund aimed at eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable development. These steps, he believes, can pave the way for a more just and peaceful world.
