'Be an Artisan of Peace': 50th World Day of Peace Message, 1 January 2017

In his message for the 50th World Day of Peace, Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace, celebrated on 1 January, Pope Francis urges people everywhere to practice active nonviolence in "our decisions, our relationships and our actions", noting that the “decisive and consistent practice of nonviolence has produced impressive results.”

Pope Francis affirms the efforts of notable peacemakers - Mahatma Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Leymah Gbowee - calling upon political and religious leaders, the heads of international institutions, and business and media executives: to apply the Beatitudes in the exercise of their respective responsibilities. 

While his message indicates the diplomatic concerns of the Holy See during the coming year, Pope Francis says "Everyone can be an artisan of peace” through small gestures and acts.

Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace

1. At the beginning of this New Year, I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious, civic and community leaders. I wish peace to every man, woman and child, and I pray that the image and likeness of God in each person will enable us to acknowledge one another as sacred gifts endowed with immense dignity. Especially in situations of conflict, let us respect this, our “deepest dignity”, [1] and make active nonviolence our way of life...

This is the fiftieth Message for the World Day of Peace...

On this occasion, I would like to reflect on nonviolence as a style of politics for peace. I ask God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life...

• Post your prayer for peace in our online chapel
• Sign the appeal to the Catholic Church to re-commit to the centrality of Gospel nonviolence
• Resources:
  - Catholic Nonviolence Initiative

Gospel read by Fr Eamonn O'Connor on the radio show Side by Side, a Religious and Social Affairs programme with a difference. Broadcast every Sunday morning on Shannonside FM from 10.00 – 11.00, ‘Side by Side’ communicates the Christian message in the context of contemporary Irish society. It does so in a manner that is ecumenical and informative.

Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - Executive Director MIA

Thumbnail image: iStock. Used under licence