World Day of Peace
Read Pope Francis’ new World Day of Peace Message
January 1 is the World Day of Peace!
Every year on January 1, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. This year’s message is the latest in a long tradition of messages for this day that began with St. Paul VI in 1967, and continued with St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.
Prayers for Peace
Use these prayers and resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
- Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace | en Español
- Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace and Protection from Violence and from Terrorism | en Español
- Prayers for Peace | en español
- Prayer for Peace in Iraq
- Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
Resources
2020
- “Peace as a journey of hope: dialogue, reconciliation and ecological conversion” – Handout
- Read the text of the 2020 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
2019
- “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace” – 2 page hand out | en Español
- Read the text of the 2019 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
- We are Salt and Light features stories of communities engaging in political work for the common good.
- Find more ways to get involved with global advocacy with CRS-Lead the Way.
2018
- “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace” – 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2018 World Day of Peace Message | en Español
- Visit the USCCB Justice for Immigrants website
- Visit ShareJourney.org, a joint initiative of USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Charities USA
2017
- “Non-Violence: a Style of Politics for Peace” – 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2017 World Day of Peace Message
- Visit the USCCB webpage on Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
- Read chapter 11 (“The Promotion of Peace”) of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
- Read the USCCB statement The Harvest of Justice is Sown in Peace
2016
- “Overcome Indifference and Build Peace” – 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2016 World Day of Peace Message
2015
- “Slaves No More, But Brothers and Sisters” – 2 Page Handout | en Español
- Read the text of the 2015 World Day of Peace Message
2014
- “Encountering the ‘Other’; Building Peace” – 2-Page Handout
- Read the text of the 2014 World Day of Peace Message