January 1, 2026, is World Peace Day. Peace advocates gathered at St. Peter’s Square to pray and call for world peace. This annual event is organized by the community and Egidio and the JPIC coordinators in Rome. On this occasion, Pope Leo XIV delivered an Angelus message at St. Peter’s Square emphasizing the importance of peace without weapons, rooted in God and human responsibility. The Pope called for the disarmament of hearts and minds from violence and the building of real peace, not just a political goal, in celebration of the 59th World Peace Day. The Pope emphasized that true peace comes from the risen Christ, rejecting violence and disarming both the heart and the body. Peace is the duty of every person, beginning with oneself, by promoting dialogue and human dignity. The faithful are invited to fast, pray, and take concrete action amid the proliferation of armed conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine and the Middle East. This message links peace with the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, who focused on brotherhood and gentleness. Pope Leo XIV closed his message by asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary to guide humanity on its journey towards a year of peace.

Anti Human Trafficking Working Group

On February 2-3, Sr. Tarcisia and the JPIC coordinator for anti-human trafficking worked together to prepare a vigil prayer at the UISG to be used in the celebration of St. John Bakhita. This prayer will be held on February 4, 2026, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere in collaboration with Talitakum and the Regina Mundi community.

Written by Sr. M. Tarcisia Lumbansiantar FCJM