The WORLD DAY OF PEACE is a feast day of the Roman Catholic Church dedicated to peace, held on 1 January, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.  It was introduced in 1967 by Pope Paul VI.The day was first observed on 1 January 1968.

FRATERNITY, THE FOUNDATION AND PATHWAY TO PEACE : MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS

In this, my first Message for the World Day of Peace, I wish to offer to everyone, individuals and peoples, my best wishes for a life filled with joy and hope. In the heart of every man and woman is the desire for a full life, including that irrepressible longing for fraternity which draws us to fellowship with others and enables us to see them not as enemies or rivals, but as brothers and sisters to be accepted and embraced. (continue reading)