By Laudato Voices | Spiritual Reflection on Peace | 23 Feb, 2026
As Lent begins, Laudato Voices invites us to reflect on how we cultivate peace, but the first step is to reflect more deeply on whether we fully understand its meaning. Many communities define peace differently. However, as followers of Christ, we should view peace in light of justice, dignity, reconciliation, and love, the love that Christ gave us this gift:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
When we reflect on this peace, we realise it is neither fragile nor conditional. It is not political or temporary. It is divine and begins in the heart.
Peace Begins Within
Therefore, Lent begins as an inward journey before it becomes an outward mission. Christ’s peace must first take root in our hearts before it can extend to our families, communities, and society. True peace is not possible without Christ. During these forty days, we are called to inner conversion by examining our inner turmoil, biases, and apathy.
True peace requires unity. It calls us to learn what creates and sustains peaceful societies: justice, respect for human dignity, protection of the vulnerable, and moral responsibility. This year’s Lent carries a big message, reminding us of the end of Pope Francis’s papacy and the beginning of Pope Leo XIV, all pointing to the message of Peace in Christ. When Pope Leo XIV was elected Pope, his very first greeting to the faithful and the world was a call for peace and a pledge to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and the Gospel. We know that without these, peace is only a pause between conflicts. Pope Leo XIV has often invited us to build bridges of peace. He recounted how his predecessor, Pope Francis, blessed Rome and the whole world on Easter morning, and he added that God loves us all and that evil will not prevail! All of us are in God’s hands. So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another! We are followers of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love. Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace, and for this Lent, he has invited us to Abstain from harsh words and rash judgment.
The Cry of Children and the Moral Duty of Humanity
Looking at this from a youth perspective, many societies today lack peace because their children have never experienced it or enough of it. The suffering of children in conflict zones weighs on humanity’s conscience. Schools are destroyed, children are on the streets, hospitals burn, and innocent children who never chose war become its victims.
The gift of peace is one we must all share. His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has urgently called for the protection of children and the restoration of humanity’s moral duty. His appeal reflects the universal moral law that children must be protected. The Child affirms unequivocally:
• Every child has an inherent right to life (Art. 6).
• Every child must be protected from violence (Art. 19).
• Every child must be shielded during armed conflict (Art. 38).
• Every wounded child has a right to healing and recovery (Art. 39).
Yet these articles are not only violated; they are often ignored entirely when we do not work towards peace. When the youngest among us are denied the basic right to life, it reflects poorly on humanity. If children lose their peace, humanity also loses its future. What then does all this say to us as we start the journey of Lent?
The Sun and the Child, A Sacred Bond
The sun rises for all, warming every child equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or status. It gives life freely. It is tragic when human ambition destroys what the sun gives freely. No condition should block a child’s sunlight; we should say no to bombs that silence children’s laughter and to events like natural calamities, family conflicts that outweigh the value of a child’s life.
During this holy season, we join together in prayer:
• That no child may lose the sun that belongs to them by nature.
• That mothers may not weep over preventable graves.
• That parents may not perish on battlefields and in mines.
Disarming Hatred, Becoming Channels of Peace
Pope Leo XIV has invited us to disarm the violence in our speech and hearts this Lenten season, inviting us to build a year of peace, and refraining from all violence.” Pope Leo XIV says, ” becoming witnesses of hope, peace, and love. Peace begins when hatred ends within us. “When peace is not a reality that is lived, cultivated, and protected, then aggression spreads into domestic and public life,” he said
This commitment begins in our homes and extends to our schools, parishes, and institutions. It calls on the international community to respect human dignity and Children because the fate of children determines the fate of humanity. If we fail them, we risk our future.
A Franciscan Path of Peace
As we celebrate the jubilee of Francis of Assisi, we recall his prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”. His life shows that peace is active; it rebuilds, restores dignity, and reconciles enemies.
Lent is an awakening that invites us to reflect on events in our common home. It challenges us to move from heartbreak to action, from concern to commitment, and from prayer to prophetic witness.
May this first week of Lent renew in us the courage to:
• Condemn unequivocally all attacks harming children.
• Mobilize our communities to stop violations of human dignity.
• Advocate for justice rooted in Christ’s peace in our homes and communities.
• Become channels of peace in a wounded world.
The peace of Christ is not abstract; it is a living gift meant for every human heart. Wherever we are, we need peace, and Lent gives us a chance to pause and reflect on this reality. Walk with us this Lenten Period (Ash Wednesday Reflection on
