World Day of Peace

What Is the World Day of Peace?

January 1 is the World Day of Peace in the Catholic Church. It began when Pope Paul VI called on all people of good will to celebrate "The Day of Peace" throughout the world on January 1, 1968. The Pope expressed his desire that this commemoration be repeated every year at the beginning of the calendar.

Pope Paul VI's Appeal

In his message for the Day of Peace on January 1, 1968, Pope Paul VI expressed the following ideas.

• On the first day of the year: He wished the commemoration of peace to be repeated every year, as a hope and a promise, at the beginning of the calendar that measures the path of human life.
• To all people of good will: He addressed his appeal not only to Catholics but to all people of good will.
• Voicing many hopes: He said the proposal interpreted the aspirations of peoples, governments, international organizations working to preserve peace, religious institutions, and young people.

A Papal Message Every Year

Every year, the Pope issues a message for the World Day of Peace. According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan, 2026 marked the 59th World Day of Peace, and the title of Pope Leo XIV's message was "Peace be with you all: Towards an 'unarmed and disarming' peace." In 2024, Pope Francis took up "Artificial Intelligence and Peace," showing how the messages address the issues of their time.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Talk with your family about peace at the start of the new year
• Read this year's papal message on the website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan or the Vatican
• Learn about conflicts around the world and efforts to bring peace
• Make caring for your relationships with the people around you one of your New Year's goals

Wishing for Peace at the Start of the Year

In Japan, January 1 is New Year's Day, but in the Catholic Church it is also the World Day of Peace. The World Day of Peace, which began in 1968, is a chance to renew our hopes for peace on the first day of the new year. Along with your first shrine visit and New Year's greetings, why not wish for a peaceful year?