A Statement from Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy on the release of the Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 59th World Day of Peace

For Immediate Release: December 19, 2025
Contact: Moira Greaney at (e) moira@catholicsmobilizing.org (p) 301-456-4733
Website: catholicsmobilizing.org X: @CMNEndtheDP

Pope Leo’s Message for the World Day of Peace promotes practices of restorative justice as opening toward peace, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy (CMN)

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Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network responds to the Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 59th World Day of Peace

“Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 2026 World Day of Peace expounds on a vision of peace that is “unarmed and disarming” — a vision that is deeply restorative in nature.

Pope Leo speaks of a persevering witness that shines light, even in the darkness of violence; he speaks not of a destination, but a committed journey; he speaks of listening and meaningful dialogue. This is the work of restorative justice.

Restorative justice aligns with Catholic social teaching by recognizing that every person has inherent dignity and the right to be part of processes and systems that impact them. By offering ways to repair harm and rebuild damaged relationships, restorative justice can help people and societies heal the wounds of violence and help Catholics live out their faith.

The practices of restorative justice create opportunities for people affected by harm to understand the impacts of the harmful action — and do what is needed to make things right. It is an approach to justice that models Jesus’ reconciling way.

Indeed, the practices of restorative justice are a concrete way to cultivate peace among us, especially in the wake of grave harm. As Catholics and as people of faith we can play a role in modeling this vision of justice in our parishes, ministries, and communities — to be peacemakers here and now. Particularly in a time of deep division, isolation, and marginalization, this message and call to action are critically important.

This special Year of Jubilee has invited each of us on a journey as Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Leo’s message for this World Day of Peace makes clear that practicing a restorative approach to peace is one way we can “keep hope alive,” even as the Jubilee year comes to a close on the Feast of the Epiphany. The practices of restorative justice can provide the necessary conditions that support peace and allow it to flourish. 

This World Day of Peace, let us heed the words of the Holy Father and promote “self-awareness in civil societies, forms of responsible association, experiences of nonviolent participation, and practices of restorative justice on both a small and large scale.”

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Catholic Mobilizing Network advances the healing practices of restorative justice through meaningful education and practical experiences. Click here to learn more.

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Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Catholic Mobilizing Network is a national organization that mobilizes Catholics and people of goodwill to end the death penalty, advance justice solutions in alignment with Catholic values and promote healing through restorative justice approaches and practices. For more information and to join the movement, visit catholicsmobilizing.org.