Justice & Peace Europe holds Prayer and Breakfast on Pope Leo’s Peace Message in Brussels
30.01.2026
On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, Justice & Peace Europe held its annual Prayer and Breakfast in Brussels. A key moment of the event was the presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 59th World Day of Peace, offered by H.E. Mgr. Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. Maria Hammershoy, Co-President of Justice & Peace Europe, shared a reflection on the role of faith communities and civil society in promoting peace amid ongoing conflicts. The event was hosted by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE).
After words of welcome by Marek Mišák, General Secretary of Justice & Peace Europe, participants joined together in the Prayer for Peace written by Pope Francis. The 2026 World Day of Peace Message of Pope Leo XIV , entitled “Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace”, was then presented by H.E. Mgr. Bernardito Auza. Sharing the Holy Father’s call for “integral disarmament,” the Apostolic Nuncio to the EU highlighted in particular the challenges linked to “further technological advances and the military implementation of artificial intelligence, which have worsened the tragedy of armed conflict.” He also referred to dialogue as “the most effective approach at every level,” encouraging spiritual, cultural and political initiatives that keep hope alive.
In her reflection, Maria Hammershoy emphasised the crucial role that civil society and faith communities play in promoting peace, as they remain “close to people’s needs before, during, and after armed conflict.” She also underlined the importance of human encounter and concrete gestures of solidarity, which, alongside peace education, “are essential to fostering our shared humanity.”
The event gathered around thirty representatives of EU institutions, Churches, faith-based organisations, academia and civil society. During a moment of sharing, several participants pointed to the need to assume responsibility for legitimate defence, while underlining the importance of promoting human security and peace in a truly integral manner, including social investment and adequate support for initiatives that promote sustainable human development. The Prayer and Breakfast concluded with intercessions for justice and peace in Europe and throughout the world, followed by a blessing imparted by the Apostolic Nuncio to the EU.
The Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Peace each year on 1 January. Justice & Peace Europe organises an annual Prayer and Breakfast to present the Papal Peace Message to a Brussels-based audience and to reflect on its implementation at the level of the European Union.
