Press Release of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

“Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”

The theme of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the World Day of Peace 2026 invites humanity 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. And it must be disarming, capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts and generating mutual trust, empathy and hope. It is not enough to call for peace; we must embody it in a way of life that rejects every form of violence, whether it be visible or systemic.

The greeting of the Risen Christ, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19), is an invitation addressed to everyone — believers, non-believers, political leaders and citizens — to build the Kingdom of God and to work together to build a humane and peaceful future.

Theme of the Message for World Day of Peace 2026

Peace be with you all: Towards an “unarmed and disarming” peace