Since 1968, the Church has celebrated the World Day of Peace each Jan. 1. The message issued on this day by the Holy Father is shared globally to heads of state, and the annual observance coincides with the liturgical feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
The theme selected by Pope Leo XIV for his first World Day of Peace message is “Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace.” According to the Vatican’s announcement, the pope’s message will be an invitation to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace an authentic peace based on love and justice.
“This peace must be unarmed, that is, not based on fear, threats or weapons,” he said.
You may read Pope Leo XIV’s message in its entirety on Jan. 1 at www.vaticannews.va and www.catholicnewsherald.com.
— Joseph T. Purello, Catholic Charities