Laudato Voices | United Nations International Day of Peace | September 21, 2026

In these volatile times, the pursuit of peace may seem daunting, yet it is more urgent than ever. At the start of this year, the Holy Father’s message for the 59th World Day of Peace 2026 was: “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.”

The UN reminds us that peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the foundation for addressing humanity’s challenges together. We experience peace through safety, dignity, opportunity, and cooperation in daily life.

The 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace, themed Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, honors the ‘everyday architects of peace’—individuals leading local initiatives and building lasting stability in their communities. At the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), we believe true peace grows when we care for each other, our common home, and future generations. This approach, rooted in Integral Ecology as championed by Pope Francis in Laudato si’, connects environmental care with human, social, and economic justice.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

He stated, “On this International Day of Peace, let us all be inspired by the courage of those who champion peace in neighborhoods, classrooms, and communities. And let’s call on world leaders to invest in a peaceful future for all people.”

We recognize that peace is not created solely in conference rooms; everyone shapes it, everywhere, every day. Each of us can contribute by taking small steps daily. The UN suggests individuals can:
– Giving your time to help someone else.
– Lending your voice to drive positive change.
– Hosting a Peace Circle, an intergenerational, youth-led discussion focused on solutions.
– Using your platform to promote a cause or share a story of peace and hope.
– Demonstrating your contributions to peace and justice.

The Vatican joins the UN’s “International Day of Peace” with an installation in St. Peter’s

On Monday, September 21, the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica hosted Sounds of Loss, an international sound installation by German filmmaker Philip Gröning for the United Nations International Day of Peace. This initiative, held simultaneously in churches, cathedrals, museums, and other institutions worldwide, was supported by two dicasteries of the Holy See and the Fabric of St. Peter.

Vatican News reported on September 18, 2026, that the initiative will connect St. Peter’s Square to the Sounds of Loss audio on September 20 and 21 in cathedrals, churches, museums, and public spaces.

However, Sounds of Loss was not designed exclusively for religious spaces. According to the project’s official website, schools, universities, museums, galleries, public administrations, stations, cultural institutions, and places of worship of various religions can participate.

The Church in Uganda promoting the theme of Peace

Led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere and coordinated by the archdiocese’s Justice and Peace Department under Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sitakange, the 2026 observance adopted the theme “Peace be with you all: Towards an Unarmed and Disarming Peace.” The focus was on reconciliation, nonviolence, and community healing.

Speaking at Lubaga Cathedral on August 26, 2026, Archbishop Ssemogerere expressed concern over the increasing levels of violence and violations of human rights, particularly against suspects, prisoners, and within families. He said the persistent violation of human rights and human dignity, both in Uganda and around the world, makes it necessary for the Catholic Church to use September to remind communities of the importance of justice, peace, and respect for human dignity.

Archbishop Ssemogerere urged everyone to become an ambassador of justice and peace, beginning at home and extending these values to neighbors, communities, and society at large.

LYI’s Laudato Si Clubs in schools, universities, churches, and communities promoting peace

Through our activities and programs, we emphasize peace, recognizing its connection to climate change. During the Season of Creation, our clubs will continue to highlight peace through exhibitions, gatherings, Laudato Si Green festivals, and other club events.

Our upcoming Laudato Si Green Festival, themed “Environmental conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development,” will take place on 10 October 2026 at Holy Cross Novitiate, Lake Saaka, Fort Portal City. This event will unite youth, faith leaders, environmental advocates, and the community to promote peace, sustainability, and ecological stewardship by bringing together all Laudato Si Clubs (LSiC) in the region for climate action. “For we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’, 13).

Learn more about the up Coming Laudato Si Green Festival