Each year on January 1st, the Church marks the World Day of Peace, which coincides with the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Since it was first established by Pope St Paul VI in 1967, the day has been an occasion for successive Popes to offer reflections on peace in the modern world, touching on themes such as human rights, international diplomacy, disarmament, and social development.
For 2026, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme:
“Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.”
In a statement from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Holy Father’s message calls on all people to reject the logic of violence and war, and instead to build a peace rooted in love, justice, and reconciliation. Pope Leo XIV has already used the phrase “unarmed and disarming” several times since his election in May 2025, capturing the spirit of the peace he longs to see in the world.
This vision of peace, the Holy Father explains, cannot be based on fear, threats, or weapons, but must instead be capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts, and creating trust and hope. Peace is not only to be spoken about, but lived out in daily choices that reject every form of violence, whether physical or hidden within social structures.
The Pope reminds us that the greeting of the Risen Christ, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19), is addressed to every person, believer and non-believer alike. It is a universal call to work together for a more humane and peaceful future.
Alongside the announcement of the 2026 theme, the Vatican Publishing House has also released a new book, “And Let There Be Peace! Words to the Church and the World,” which collects the first public addresses of Pope Leo XIV. The book highlights his early appeals for reconciliation, his emphasis on the primacy of God, the unity of the Church, and his conviction that peace must begin within the human heart.
As we begin the new year on January 1, 2026, the Holy Father invites us to hear Christ’s words afresh: “Peace be with you.” May this greeting inspire us in our homes, communities, and world to become builders of authentic peace.
