Pope Leo XIV Opens 2026 with Call for Peace and Rejection of Violence
Pope Leo XIV opened the year 2026 by delivering a New Year’s Day Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, where approximately 40,000 people had gathered. The event coincided with the World Day of Peace, observed annually on January 1 since 1968 following an initiative by Pope Paul VI.
In his message, the pope urged the world to reject violence and commit to reconciliation, calling for a year of peace cultivated through disarming hearts. He emphasized that peace is a gift from God and should be pursued through personal choices rather than force or coercion.
The pope also acknowledged ongoing peace efforts across the globe, including a peace march held on December 31 in Catania and contributions by the Community of Sant’Egidio. During the address, he greeted various attendees such as students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, and made reference to the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.
He encouraged beginning the year with the grace of Christ and a personal commitment to conversion, reinforcing the spiritual foundation necessary for lasting peace.
