The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo the Fourteenth, has called on world leaders, governments and citizens to embrace what he describes as an “unarmed and disarming peace” as the surest path to global stability and human dignity.
The Pope made the call in his Message for the Fifty-Ninth World Day of Peace, issued to mark New Year’s Day 2026.
In the message titled “Peace be with you: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace,” Pope Leo the Fourteenth said the peace offered by the risen Christ is not based on force, fear or weapons, but on humility, dialogue and trust.
The Pontiff warned that increasing global military expenditure, nuclear deterrence and the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare are deepening instability and placing humanity at grave risk.
He noted that global military spending rose sharply in 2024, reaching over two-point-seven trillion dollars, describing the trend as alarming.
Pope Leo also condemned the misuse of religion to justify violence, nationalism and armed conflict, urging religious leaders and believers to become builders of peace through prayer, dialogue and active nonviolence.
He stressed that true peace begins with the disarmament of the human heart, calling on individuals, communities and nations to reject despair and choose hope, justice and reconciliation.
The Pope further appealed for renewed commitment to diplomacy, international law and dialogue, saying these remain the most effective tools for resolving conflicts and preventing war.
He concluded by urging the world to rediscover peace as a lived reality rather than a distant ideal, expressing hope that the ongoing Jubilee of Hope would inspire renewed efforts toward unity and global peace.
The message was signed at the Vatican on December 8, 2025, and officially released ahead of the World Day of Peace marked on January 1, 2026.