Statement
World Day of Peace 2014 Handout
This handout is for use with the Jan. 1, 2014 World Day of Peace message from Pope Francis.
The World Day of Peace 2014 handout centers on Pope Francis’ message titled “Fraternity, the Foundation and Pathway to Peace” and encourages Catholics to embrace a “culture of encounter.”
Key Themes
- Encountering the “Other”: Pope Francis calls us to open our hearts to those affected by poverty, hunger, conflict, migration, pollution, and injustice.
- Warns against a “throwaway culture” that dehumanizes those who suffer.
- Advocates for solidarity and inclusion, inviting the poor and vulnerable to be protagonists of development, not passive recipients of charity.
Reflection Questions
- Do you see those who suffer as brothers and sisters or as statistics?
- With whom do you need to cultivate solidarity?
- How are you working to invite the poor and vulnerable to the table?
Practical Actions
- Pray for courage to overcome indifference and include prayers for peace in daily life.
- Learn: Visit resources like ConfrontGlobalPoverty.org and PovertyUSA.org.
- Engage: Connect with Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services for local and global outreach.
- Advocate: Participate in action alerts on issues impacting life and dignity.
Prayers for Peace
- For overcoming indifference and seeing all who suffer as brothers and sisters.
- For leaders to respond wisely to global crises (e.g., Syria, the Philippines, Holy Land).
- For inclusion of immigrants and those in poverty in our communities.
- For ensuring those in need have a place at the table.