After celebrating his first mass in 2026, Pope Leo XIV made an appeal for peace in the world, especially among “nations bloodied by conflict and misery”.
“As the rhythm of the months repeats itself, the Lord invites us to renew our time, finally inaugurating an era of peace and friendship among all peoples. Without this desire for good, it would make no sense to turn the pages of the calendar or fill our diaries”, said the pontiff to around 40 thousand faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, during the Angelus prayer.
“Let us all pray together for peace. First of all, for peace among nations bloodied by conflict and misery, but also for peace in our homes, in families wounded by violence and pain. Certain that Christ, our hope, is the sun of justice that never sets, let us ask with confidence for the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church”, he concluded.
At the end of the prayer, Leo XIV recalled that, since January 1, 1968, the date has been remembered as World Day of Peace and cited part of the message he delivered when he was elected the new pontiff: “Peace be with you all”, inviting Christians to start the new year by disarming hearts, rejecting all forms of violence and expressing appreciation for initiatives to promote peace around the world.
In its conclusion, when remembering the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis, the pope granted his blessing to the world.
