The Holy Father Leo XIV addresses his Message for the 59th World Day of Peace, to be celebrated on 1 January 2026, under the theme “Peace be with all of you: towards a disarmed and disarming peace.” The text was released by the Holy See Press Office on 18 December 2025.
In his message, the Pontiff recalls that peace is first and foremost a gift born of the encounter with the Risen Christ and that it manifests itself as a force capable of overcoming fear, hatred, and violence. Leo XIV emphasizes that this peace is not imposed by force but acts with meekness, enlightening consciences and opening paths of reconciliation even in contexts marked by prolonged conflicts.
The Pope denounces the fact that war and the logic of confrontation continue to be presented as inevitable solutions, when in reality they lead to a spiral of suffering and destruction. In response, he proposes a “disarmed” peace, free from imposition and selfish interests, and “disarming,” capable of transforming hearts and unjust social structures.
Leo XIV especially invites Christians to become credible witnesses of this peace by living forgiveness, dialogue, and solidarity in everyday life. He also urges political leaders and the international community to reject fatalism and to commit themselves to authentic processes of justice, integral development, and respect for human dignity.
The message concludes with a call not to lose hope, reminding us that peace is possible when it is cultivated with patience, courage, and shared responsibility, from the personal to the global level.
