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Pope León XIV Opens 2026 With Call for Peace, Saying the World Is Not Saved by ‘Sharpening Swords’

Next comes the formal close of the Jubilee on January 6, then a plenary of cardinals.

Overview

  • Celebrating the 59th World Day of Peace on January 1, León XIV urged forgiveness and reconciliation, insisting salvation does not come through judgment, oppression or violence.
  • In his year‑end Te Deum homily, he warned against armed strategies cloaked in hypocritical ideological or religious rhetoric aimed at conquering markets, territories and influence.
  • He remembered the late Pope Francis and highlighted that the Jubilee opened under Francis drew millions of pilgrims to Rome and will be formally closed on January 6.
  • The Vatican confirmed a plenary meeting of the College of Cardinals for January 7–8 to consult on governance following the Jubilee’s conclusion.
  • At his final 2025 audience, he greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, including a group of 35 Palestinian youths, and invited an honest examen de conciencia to begin the new year.