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August 11, 2015

Papal message for World Peace Day to focus on overcoming indifference

Afghan children are seen in late May at a temporary shelter in an internally displaced persons camp on the outskirts of Balkh province, Afghanistan. To promote a reflection on the need for a "conversion of mind and heart" open to the needs of others, Pope Francis has chosen "Overcome indifference and win peace" as the theme for the church's celebration of the World Day of Peace 2016.

VATICAN CITY - Selfishness and fear keep too many people ignorant of the suffering of others and prevent them from finding creative ways to express solidarity and to promote peace, said a statement from the Vatican's justice and peace office.

Published in International
August 21, 2014

Pope Francis' 2015 World Peace Day message to focus on human trafficking

Sex workers and their children take part in an Aug. 14 demonstration seeking better rights and a halt to girl trafficking in the red-light area of Kolkata, India. Human trafficking destroys the lives of millions of children, women and men each year, ma king it a real threat to peace, the Vatican said as it announced Pope Francis' 2015 World Peace Day message would focus on the phenomenon.

VATICAN CITY - Human trafficking destroys the lives of millions of children, women and men each year, making it a real threat to peace, the Vatican said as it announced Pope Francis' 2015 World Peace Day message would focus on the phenomenon.

Published in Vatican
July 16, 2012

'Blessed are the peacemakers' is theme of 2013 World Peace Day

A balloon with an image of a dove floats as Pope Benedict XVI waves after leading the Angelus from the window of his apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square on World Peace Day earlier this year. The theme for the 2013 day is "Blessed are the peacemakers".

VATICAN CITY - Threats to religious liberty and other basic rights, the global financial crisis and crises in politics and education signal a "worrying crisis of democracy," said a note from the Vatican announcing Pope Benedict XVI's choice of a theme for World Peace Day 2013.

In a message reflecting on the theme, "Blessed are the peacemakers," the Pope will offer "an ethical reflection" on measures that the global community is considering or should adopt in response to the various crises afflicting many countries around the world, said a Vatican communique published July 16.

Published in Vatican