On the World Day of Peace, Pope Leo XIV urged everyone to contribute to creating a year of peace, beginning with a commitment to refrain from all violence.
This was reported by Vatican News.
“I warmly greet all of you, gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on this first day of the year, and I offer good wishes of peace,” said Pope Leo XIV, speaking after reciting the Angelus prayer on the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The pontiff recalled that, at the request of Pope St. Paul VI, the Church has celebrated the World Day of Peace on this day since January 1, 1968.
“In my Message, I wanted to repeat the wish that the Lord suggested to me when calling me to this service: 'Peace be with you all!' A peace that is unarmed and disarming, which comes from God, a gift of his unconditional love, and is entrusted to our responsibility,” said Leo XIV, wishing:
“Dear friends, with the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence.”