World Day of Peace

The Latest

Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his Wednesday general audience on Aug. 7, 2024.

Vatican announces theme for World Day of Peace 2025

Aug 8, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

“Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Your Peace” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the next World Day... Read more

Pope Francis invoke the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Peace and Mother of Mercy at a prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter's Basilica, Friday, Oct. 27.

Pope Francis asks Mary’s intercession in World Day of Peace video

Jan 1, 2024

By Jonathan Liedl

Pope Francis implores the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for an end to human conflicts in a new video released... Read more

Pope Francis' Angelus message on Jan. 1, 2023, marked the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. An estimated 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the event. The feast day coincides with the World Day of Peace.

Why are the solemnity of Mary and the World Day of Peace celebrated on the same day?

Jan 1, 2024

By Katie Yoder

Jan. 1 marks more than the start of a new year — it is also the solemnity of Mary, Mother... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience at the Vatican on Dec. 6, 2023.

Pope Francis calls for global regulation of AI for ‘peace and common good’

Dec 14, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

The pope emphasized that technological innovations are not neutral “but subject to cultural influences” and that caution must be exercised. Read more

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Vatican announces that artificial intelligence will be theme of next World Day of Peace

Aug 8, 2023

By Courtney Mares

A statement from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on Aug. 8 described an “urgent need” to guide the... Read more

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a press conference at the presidential office in Taipei on Dec. 27, 2022.

Taiwan president writes to Pope Francis about ‘preserving regional security’ with China

Jan 24, 2023

By Courtney Mares

“The war that erupted between Russia and Ukraine last February has brought home to humanity just how valuable peace is,”... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during his general audience on Oct. 26, 2022.

In World Peace Day message, Pope Francis asks, ‘What did we learn from the pandemic?’

Dec 16, 2022

By Courtney Mares

In a message sent to heads of state across the world, Francis asked leaders to reflect on what lessons can... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God in St. Peter's Basilica on January 1, 2022.

Pope Francis: Let us place the new year under the protection of Mary

Jan 1, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis’ first public act of 2022 was to offer Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God. Read more

Pope Francis attends the general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Dec. 15, 2021

2022 World Peace Day message: Pope Francis calls for investment in education, not weaponry

Dec 21, 2021

By CNA Staff

The World Day of Peace is celebrated annually on Jan. 1. Read more

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address Jan. 1, 2021. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis: With Mary's help, fill the new year with 'spiritual growth'

Jan 1, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Virgin Mary’s motherly care encourages us to use our God-given time for building up the world and peace, not... Read more

Pope Francis, pictured on Oct. 15, 2014.

Pope Francis calls for ‘culture of care’ in 2021 World Peace Day message

Dec 17, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis appealed for a “culture of care” in his message for the 2021 World Day of Peace released Thursday.  Read more

Pope Francis incenses the Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2017.

In the New Year, receive Mary's love and help, Francis says

Jan 1, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

When challenged, it is right to turn to Mary, Our Mother, for help, Pope Francis said on New Year’s Day,... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 2, 2018.

Pope Francis: Through virtue, political life can be a form of charity

Dec 18, 2018

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis identified political virtues and vices in his 2019 peace message released Tuesday, offering examples from the “Beatitudes of... Read more

Pope Francis greets a migrant at a welcoming hub near Cesena, Italy on Oct. 1, 2017.

Pope on migration: Peace isn't possible unless we go beyond polemics

Nov 24, 2017

By Elise Harris

When it comes to migration, Pope Francis said the world, particularly Christians, must approach the issue with a “contemplative gaze”... Read more

Pope Francis at the Vatican, April 3, 2014.

After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism

Jan 1, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Sept. 9, 2015 general audience.

Nonviolent politics to be the focus of next World Day of Peace

Aug 26, 2016

By Elise Harris

Announced Friday, the theme Pope Francis selected for the 2017 World Day of Peace focuses on nonviolence as a political... Read more

Pope Francis visits the Brazilian community of Varginha July 25, 2013.

For Pope Francis, achieving peace means overcoming indifference

Aug 11, 2015

By Elise Harris

The Vatican announced Tuesday that the theme for 2016’s World Day of Peace will focus on a topic Pope Francis... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience October 30, 2013.

Fraternity is the 'foundation' of peace, Pope's message says

Dec 12, 2013

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis' first message for the World Day of Peace was issued today by the Vatican, revealing the pontiff's special... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims July 14, 2013 at the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Lauren Cater/CNA

Pope links fraternity and peace in 2014 theme

Jul 31, 2013

Pope Francis’ message for the Jan. 1, 2014 World Day of Peace is that living a life of fraternity can... Read more