"The world must be educated to love Peace, to build it up and defend it."
- Pope Paul VI, 1968
January 1 is the World Day of Peace!
Every year on January 1, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. This year’s message is the latest in a long tradition of messages for this day that began with St. Paul VI in 1967 and continued with St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Read more about how to pray, learn, and act with this World Day of Peace handout.
Prayers for Peace
Use these prayers and resources with your community.
- Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace | en Español
- Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace and Protection from Violence and from Terrorism | en Español
- Prayers for Peace | en español
- Prayer for Peace in Iraq
- Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
Resources
2022
- Read the text of the 2022 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
2021
- Read the text of the 2021 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
2020
- "Peace as a journey of hope: dialogue, reconciliation and ecological conversion" - Handout
- Read the text of the 2020 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
2019
- “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace” – 2-page hand out | en Español
- Read the text of the 2019 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
- We are Salt and Light features stories of communities engaging in political work for the common good.
- Find more ways to get involved with global advocacy with CRS-Lead the Way.
2018
- "Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace" - 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2018 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
- Visit the USCCB Justice for Immigrants website
- Visit ShareJourney.org, a joint initiative of USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Charities USA
2017
- "Non-Violence: a Style of Politics for Peace" - 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2017 World Day of Peace Message
- Visit the USCCB webpage on Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
- Read chapter 11 ("The Promotion of Peace") of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
- Read the USCCB statement The Harvest of Justice is Sown in Peace
2016
- "Overcome Indifference and Build Peace" - 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2016 World Day of Peace Message
2015
- "Slaves No More, But Brothers and Sisters" - 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2015 World Day of Peace Message
2014
- "Encountering the 'Other'; Building Peace" - 2-Page Handout
- Read the text of the 2014 World Day of Peace Message
2013
2012
- "Educating Young People in Justice and Peace" - 2-Page Handout
- Read the text of the 2012 World Day of Peace Message
- Download more resources to educate young people in justice and peace.
2010
- Bulletin Insert on "To Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation"
- Bulletin Quotes and Excerpts from the 2010 Message
- Read the text of the 2010 World Day of Peace Message
2009
- Bulletin insert on "Fighting Poverty to Build Peace"
- Bulletin Quotes and Excerpts from the 2009 Message
- Read the text of the 2009 World Day of Peace Message