Pope Leo Urges World to Start 2026 by Building a Year of Peace

Vatican, Jan 2, 2026 — At his first Angelus address of the new year, Pope Leo urged people everywhere to begin 2026 by committing themselves to peace, inviting them to “build a year of peace, by disarming our hearts and refraining from every form of violence.”

Greeting nearly 40,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on New Year’s Day, the Pope extended his warm wishes for peace and every good. He also conveyed his greetings to Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.

Speaking after the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Leo recalled that for the past 58 years, January 1 has been observed as the World Day of Peace, established in 1968 at the initiative of Pope Paul VI. Referring to his message for the Day, he recalled the greeting that, he said, “the Lord suggested” to him at the moment of his election: “Peace be with you all!”

The Holy Father explained that this peace “is unarmed and disarming,” a gift that comes from God’s unconditional love and one that is entrusted to human responsibility.

Taking up this responsibility, the Pope encouraged everyone, with the help of Christ’s grace, to begin immediately to “build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence.”

He also acknowledged the many individuals and organisations across the world who are already committed to ending violence and fostering peace through numerous initiatives. In this context, he made special mention of a national march held on the evening of December 31 in Catania, as well as a march organised by members of the Community of Sant’Egidio.

The Pope then offered a personal greeting to students and teachers from Richland, who were present in the square.

Recalling the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo concluded his Angelus remarks by invoking the saint’s blessing drawn from Sacred Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

He concluded by entrusting the new year to Mary, expressing his hope that she would “guide us on our journey in the new year.”

Courtesy: Vatican