"Peace is more than just a goal; it is a presence and a journey. Even when it is endangered within us and around us, like a small flame threatened by a storm, we must protect it."
Pope Leo XIV
Message for the 2026 World Day of Peace
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, Pope Francis, and Pope Leo XIV.
Bishops Pray for Peace
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Archbishop Borys Gudziak, chairman of the Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development, pray "A Prayer to the Creator" from Fratelli Tutti for peace in our...
Resources for Peace
Use these resources with your community.
- Explore more resources from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
- Read more about how to pray, learn, and act with this World Day of Peace handout.
- Communities of 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.
Prayers for Peace
Use these prayers with your community.
- A Prayer to the Creator | en Español
- Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace | en Español
- Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace and Protection from Violence and from Terrorism | en Español
- Prayers for the Church and the World | en español
- Prayer for Peace in Iraq | en Español
- Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities