War and environmental destruction are not just political failures, but symptoms of a deep moral crisis in the human heart, Pope Leo XIV said in his message for the 2026 World Day of Prayer for Creation.
Marking the 1 September observance, the pope warned that armed conflict and ecological degradation create a vicious cycle that destroys ecosystems, poisons natural resources, and destabilizes communities for generations.
Drawing on the biblical call from Isaiah to beat swords into plowshares, Pope Leo urged nations and individuals to turn away from violence and the pursuit of domination.
The pontiff stressed that lasting peace requires an inner spiritual renewal, calling for resources once used for destruction to be redirected toward feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, and protecting creation.
The prayer day opens the ecumenical Season of Creation, which concludes 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi.
