Pope Leo warns against rising militarism and calls for ‘unarmed’ peace in 2026

Pope Leo led a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 1 to mark the World Day of Peace, which coincides with the Roman Catholic Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In his homily, the pontiff urged the faithful to look to the Nativity as a symbol of “unarmed and disarming peace,” amid rising global conflict. He reiterated concerns raised in his December message about growing military spending and the misuse of religion to justify war or nationalism. Pope Leo also reflected on the nearing conclusion of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year of Jubilee, dedicated to hope.