40 years ago, on October 27, 1986, Pope St John Paul II took part in the historic World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, central Italy. For the first time in history, representatives of all world religions were invited by the Pope to pray together for peace.
The 2026 meeting which will take place in Assisi from October 25 to 27 and marks the 40th anniversary of the original gathering, was presented today at the headquarters of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication.
A disarmed and disarming peace
The title of Assisi 2026—“Disarmed and Disarming Peace”—comes from Pope Leo’s own words. The gathering will reaffirm that peace is possible, just as it was 40 years ago with Pope John Paul II and as it was at the 30th anniversary in 2016 with Pope Francis.
A total of 384 representatives of religions, cultures and institutions from 53 countries will take part in the event. There will be 155 speakers participating in 24 thematic forums, addressing subjects including peace, prayer, the economy, conflicts, children and young people, the media, migration, disarmament, humanity, Christian unity, dialogue across the Mediterranean, the poor, and contemporary martyrs.
It is hoped that Pope Leo will be in Assisi on the final day of the event, October 27. He will pray for peace together with the Christian community in the Lower Basilica, during a special prayer for peace in which both he and Patriarch Bartholomew will offer a meditation.