Pope Leo
Speaking during his first Angelus address In 2026, the Pope invited the faithful to “build a year of peace by disarming our hearts and abstaining from all forms of violence.”
About 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to listen to the Pope’s New Year’s message on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, which also coincides with the World Day of Peace.
POPE LEO
Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of peace to 40,000 attendees 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 goodness in the new year and offered a special greeting to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
After the Angelus prayer, the Pope said that January 1 has been declared the World Day of Peace since 1968 at the initiative of Pope Paul VI.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Pope Leo referred to the words that came to him after his election as Bishop of Rome: “Peace be with you all.”
“This peace,” the Pope said, “is unarmed and disarming. It comes from God; it is a gift of his unconditional love, and it is entrusted to our responsibility.”
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The Pope spoke during his first Angelus of 2026 on 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 conversion and choices in daily life.
Pope Leo called on Christians and all people of good will, urging them to begin immediately.
“By the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and abstaining from all violence.”
The Pope acknowledged that efforts to build peace are already underway around the world and expressed appreciation for individuals and organizations working to end conflict and promote dialogue.
POPE LEO
Pope Leo XIV delivers a World Day of Peace message calling for global reconciliation by 2026. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
In line with the peacekeeping theme, he highlighted a national peace march held on December 31 in Catania, Italy, and mentioned another 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 stood in the square watching.
At the end of the speech, the Pope spoke about the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure also closely associated with peace.
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He concluded with the saint’s biblical benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Pope Leo ended by entrusting the New Year to Mary, Mother of God, and asked her to accompany humanity on its journey in the New Year.
