Pope Leo XIV appeals for peace in 2026 New Year’s Day address message to world
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Pope Leo XIV opened the new year on Thursday with a call for peace to the world, urging people everywhere to begin 2026 by rejecting violence and committing to reconciliation.
speaking while on duty first Angelus address In 2026, the pope invited the faithful to “build a year of peace by disarming our hearts and avoiding all forms of violence.”
Nearly 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to hear the Pope’s New Year’s message on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, which also coincided with World Peace Day.
POPE LEO
Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of peace to 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
At the beginning of his speech, Pope Leo expressed his wishes for peace and well-being in the new year and gave a special greeting to Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
In his statement after the Angelus prayer, the Pope said: St. He said that with Paul’s initiative, January 1 has been celebrated as World Peace Day since 1968.
Reflecting on the meaning of the day, Pope Leo touched upon the following words that came to his mind after he was elected bishop of Rome: “Hail to you all.”
“This peace is unarmed and disarming. It comes from God; it is a gift of His unconditional love and is entrusted to our care,” the Pope said.
ADVENT PEACE REQUIRES ACTION: DEFEND THOSE WHO RISK THEIR LIVES TO WORSHIP FREELY
The Pope spoke at the first Angelus of 2026 on the World Day of Peace. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
He also emphasized that peace is not something imposed by force, but a gift that requires personal transformation and choices in daily life.
Appealing to Christians and everyone of good will, Pope Leo called on them to take immediate action.
“By the grace of Christ,” he said, “let us begin today to build a year of peace by disarming our hearts and avoiding all violence.”
The pope acknowledged that peacebuilding efforts are already underway around the world and expressed his appreciation for individuals and organizations committed to ending conflict and promoting dialogue.
POPE LEO
Pope Leo XIV delivers his message for World Peace Day, calling for global reconciliation in 2026. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
In keeping with the theme of peacekeeping, he highlighted the national peace march held in Catania, Italy, on December 31 and touched upon another march organized by members of the Community of Sant’Egidio, known for its international peace initiatives.
Pope Leo also welcomed students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, who were monitoring the square.
At the end of the speech, the pope spoke about the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, a name closely associated with peace.
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He concluded with the saint’s biblical blessing: “May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up his face on you and give you peace.”
Pope Leo concluded his speech by entrusting the new year to Mary, Mother of God, and asking her to guide humanity on its new year’s journey.
