Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong global appeal for an “unarmed and disarming” peace, urging world leaders, religious communities, and civil societies to reject violence, excessive militarisation and the growing reliance on force in resolving conflicts.

In his message for the 59th World Day of Peace, marked on January 1, 2026, the Pope warned that the world is drifting further away from lasting peace as fear, arms build-up and new military technologies increasingly dominate international relations.

Delivering the message titled “Peace Be With You All: Towards an Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” Pope Leo XIV described peace not merely as an ideal, but as a living presence that must be protected, nurtured and embodied in daily choices.

“The peace of the risen Christ is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering,” the Pontiff said, stressing that authentic peace does not come through weapons or intimidation but through trust, dialogue and justice.

Reflecting on the global security situation, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the sharp rise in military expenditure and the renewed emphasis on deterrence, particularly nuclear deterrence, which he said is rooted in fear rather than law or mutual trust. Citing recent data, he noted that global military spending rose by over nine per cent in 2024, continuing a decade-long upward trend.

The Pope also warned against what he described as a dangerous shift towards delegating life-and-death decisions to machines through the military use of artificial intelligence. He described the trend as a betrayal of human responsibility and the ethical foundations of civilisation.

“Our world is witnessing an unprecedented erosion of accountability,” he said, adding that technological progress without moral restraint risks deepening the tragedy of armed conflict.

Pope Leo XIV further cautioned against the misuse of religion to justify violence, nationalism or armed struggle. He urged believers to actively reject attempts to weaponise faith, insisting that religions must serve as instruments of peace rather than division.

“Believers must refute, above all by the witness of their lives, any attempt to profane the name of God through violence,” he said, calling for stronger ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.

Emphasising the role of diplomacy, the Pontiff appealed to political leaders to recommit to sincere negotiations, faithful adherence to international treaties and the strengthening of supranational institutions, warning that their erosion only fuels instability and conflict.

He also called on communities worldwide to become “houses of peace,” where dialogue replaces hostility, justice is practised and forgiveness is upheld.

The Pope linked his peace message to the ongoing Jubilee of Hope, urging individuals and nations alike to embrace an inner “disarmament of the heart and mind” as a foundation for global reconciliation.

Quoting the biblical vision of turning “swords into ploughshares,” Pope Leo XIV expressed confidence that peace remains achievable if humanity chooses cooperation over confrontation.

The World Day of Peace is observed annually on January 1, offering the Catholic Church a platform to address pressing global challenges and promote peace, justice and human dignity across nations. (The Sun)