Pope Leo XIV in his new book Peace Is the Responsibility of Each Individual

Pope Francis has released a new book titled “Razoroženi in razorožujoči: Mir je dar” (The Broken and the Mender: Peace Is a Gift) which underscores his long-standing commitment to peace. The book compiles speeches, homilies, and reflections on peace delivered throughout his papacy, with an introduction written by the Pope himself. In it, he emphasizes that peace is a personal responsibility, urging individuals to take action in their daily lives to foster harmony. This message aligns with his early advocacy for peace following his election in April 2013, when he addressed the faithful with a call for unity and reconciliation. The book was published by the Vatican Press under the editorship of Italian journalist Alessandro Banfi, who has worked extensively with the Vatican media. According to Banfi, the publication aims to bring readers closer to Pope Francis’s vision of peace, drawing from a wide range of public appearances, including addresses to diplomats, meetings with youth, and visits to parishes. He notes that while the contexts vary, the central message remains consistent: building bridges through dialogue and challenging divisions that separate people. “The core idea,” Banfi explains, “is that peace begins with each individual, within their home, among colleagues, and in their community.” In the introduction, Pope Francis reflects on the role of ordinary citizens in achieving peace, citing the example of Father Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet priest who helped prevent a potential nuclear disaster in 1983 by exposing a false alarm. The Pope writes that the testimony of one person can have global significance, reinforcing the notion that peace is not solely the domain of governments or institutions but is deeply rooted in human action. Banfi also highlights the influence of Saint Augustine on Pope Francis’s thinking, particularly in relation to the Pope’s address to the diplomatic corps at the Vatican. During this speech, Pope Francis cited Augustine’s work De Civitate Dei, emphasizing that divine providence does not offer political solutions to complex problems. Instead, it invites deeper reflection on fundamental questions of social and political life, such as seeking a more just and peaceful coexistence among peoples. “What matters,” Banfi adds, “is the search for a fairer and calmer way of living together.” The book is currently available in Italian, with plans to release an English edition in the future. It represents a continuation of Pope Francis’s efforts to promote peace through both spiritual and practical means, reflecting his belief that true reconciliation requires active engagement from all members of society. As the Pope continues to emphasize in his writings and public statements, peace is not an abstract ideal, it is a tangible goal that must be pursued by individuals, communities, and nations alike.