Pope Leo XIV Delivers Powerful New Year's Plea for Global Peace and Reconciliation

VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV ushered in 2026 with an impassioned appeal for global peace, urging an estimated 40,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to actively reject violence and embrace a spirit of reconciliation. In his inaugural Angelus address of the new year, delivered on Thursday, the Pontiff underscored humanity's profound responsibility in cultivating a world free from conflict and division.

A Resounding Call for Peace on World Day

Speaking from the heart of the Vatican, His Holiness invited both believers and all people of goodwill to “build a year of peace by disarming our hearts and refraining from every form of violence.” This potent message resonated across the iconic square, delivered on a day of dual significance: the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, which also coincides with the annual World Day of Peace.

The tradition of marking January 1st as the World Day of Peace began in 1968, at the initiative of Pope St. Paul VI. Pope Leo XIV emphasized this historical context, reflecting on the words that first came to him upon his election as Bishop of Rome: “Peace be with you all.” He further elaborated on this divine gift, stating, “This peace is unarmed and disarming. It comes from God; it is a gift of his unconditional love, and it is entrusted to our responsibility.”

Peace Begins Within: Personal Conversion and Daily Choices

The Pontiff made it clear that authentic peace is not a condition imposed by force, but rather a profound gift that necessitates personal conversion and conscious choices made in daily life. He issued a direct challenge to Christians and all individuals of good will to embark on this journey immediately. “With Christ’s grace,” he proclaimed, “let us start today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence.”

Pope Leo XIV also took a moment to acknowledge and express deep appreciation for the myriad individuals and organizations across the globe already dedicated to ending conflict and fostering dialogue. He specifically highlighted a national peace march held on December 31st in Catania, Italy, and praised the ongoing efforts of the Community of Sant’Egidio, internationally recognized for its impactful peace initiatives.

A Vision for 2026: Guided by Faith and Reconciliation

Extending warm wishes for peace and prosperity in the new year, the Pope offered a special greeting to Italian Republic President Sergio Mattarella. Among the diverse crowd, he also warmly welcomed students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, who had traveled to be part of the historic occasion.

Concluding his poignant address, Pope Leo XIV commemorated the upcoming 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, a revered figure whose life remains synonymous with peace. He invoked the saint’s timeless biblical blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.” The Pontiff ended by entrusting the entire new year to Mary, the Mother of God, seeking her divine guidance for humanity’s journey in the months ahead.