Pope Leo XIV’s latest publication, titled Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift, calls for a renewed commitment to disarmament as a pathway towards global peace, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals and nations alike in fostering a culture of peace.
The Vatican has announced the release of a new book by Pope Leo XIV, entitled Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift. Edited by Alessandro Banfi, the volume compiles the Pope’s addresses and reflections on peace since his election on May 8, 2025. The book is initially available in Italian, with plans for an English version to follow shortly. Its opening includes a previously unpublished text by the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV begins his discourse by recalling the biblical greeting, “Peace be with you,” which was the first message Jesus delivered to his apostles after his resurrection. He highlights that while peace is a universal aspiration, it is often threatened by conflict and violence. Citing a report from the Global Peace Index 2026, the Pope notes that 103 countries are currently involved in various forms of warfare across the globe, including regions such as Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Referencing his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV describes the ongoing conflicts as a “third world war fought piecemeal,” indicating the unprecedented level of global conflict that has persisted since the conclusion of World War II. In light of these troubling circumstances, the Pope emphasizes that peace is not merely an absence of war but a collective responsibility.
The Personal Responsibility for Peace
The Pope articulates that peace must begin at the individual level. He urges that if people respond to conflict with judgment and condemnation, it will lead to indifference and hatred. Instead, he advocates for a transformative approach where individuals cultivate peace in their daily lives through small gestures of kindness and forgiveness. He cites the wisdom of Saint Augustine, who encouraged living virtuous lives to effect change in the world.
Moreover, Pope Leo XIV asserts that the pursuit of truth is integral to achieving peace, noting that even those who wage war often claim to do so in the name of peace. He reflects on the historical consequences of warfare, particularly the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and reiterates that war leads to irreversible devastation. He recalls the poignant words of Saint Paul VI at the United Nations, emphasizing a collective commitment to ensuring that future generations inherit a world free from the threat of war.
Disarmament Over Armament
Central to the Pope’s message is the assertion that disarmament, rather than nuclear armament, is crucial for establishing lasting peace. He criticizes the current arms race, which he describes as a source of fear and uncertainty for humanity. The Pope invokes the words of musician Bob Dylan to illustrate the dangers posed by man-made weapons, urging readers to reflect on the moral implications of such creations.
In his writings, Pope Leo XIV also recounts significant historical moments that showcase the power of individual conscience in the face of potential catastrophe. He refers to the actions of Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov, who in 1983 made the critical decision not to report a false alarm of a nuclear missile launch, thereby averting a possible global disaster. This example underscores the profound impact that a single individual’s choices can have on the fate of humanity.
Hope as a Foundation for Peace
In his concluding reflections, the Pope emphasizes the necessity of hope in the pursuit of peace. He asserts that the Church’s mission is to spread a message of charity and goodwill among all people. He encourages individuals to look towards the future with optimism, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasize love and self-sacrifice as powerful antidotes to violence and despair.
Pope Leo XIV concludes with a call to action, urging believers and people of goodwill to strive as builders of peace in their communities. He echoes the sentiments of Pope Pius XI, reminding his audience that mediocrity is no longer an option in the face of the world’s pressing challenges. The Pope’s message is clear: every individual is invited to make peace a personal commitment in their lives.
As the world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical conflicts, the publication of Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift serves as a timely reminder of the role each person can play in fostering a more peaceful and just society. The Vatican will continue to advocate for disarmament and peaceful resolution of conflicts, reinforcing the message that true security cannot be achieved through weapons, but rather through mutual understanding and respect.
