“In sending his disciples forth on mission, Jesus told them: ‘Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house!” And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.” (Lk 10:5-6).

Bringing peace is central to the mission of Christ’s disciples. That peace is offered to all those men and women who long for peace amid the tragedies and violence that mark human history. The ‘house’ of which Jesus speaks is every family, community, country and continent, in all their diversity and history. It is first and foremost each individual person, without distinction or discrimination. But it is also our ‘common home’: the world in which God has placed us and which we are called to care for and cultivate.”

Pope Francis, World Day of Peace Message 2020.

For the International Day of Peace in 2020 the United Nations have chosen the theme “Shaping Peace Together” noting that:

“This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.”

We are invited to celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. We can stand together against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred and instead shape peace together.

56th World Day of Peace Message (Pope Francis)