Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace
In 1986 Pope St. John Paul II invited leaders of Christian churches and other world religions to Assisi to pray for peace. At Find A Prayer, we write original prayers for moments like this so you have words ready when you want to pray. October 27, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of that historic gathering, known as the Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace. The 2026 meeting runs from October 25 to 27 in Assisi under the title "Unarmed and Disarming Peace," organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio.
About 384 representatives from 53 countries are expected to take part in 24 thematic forums across those three days. Pope Leo XIV had planned to attend the closing day on October 27. On October 23, 2026, the Holy See Press Office announced that he will not attend in person, to aid his recovery, on his doctors' advice. He will send a message of solidarity to the organizers, the representatives of Christian denominations and other religions, and the gathered guests.
The Holy See stated that he remains convinced that the spirit of Assisi and dialogue are a valuable resource in a time of conflict. The Spirit of Assisi means religious leaders coming together to pray side by side, with each tradition praying according to its own rites. Anyone can join this prayer from home, alone or with others, on October 27 or on any day of the year. Praying for peace does not replace practical help for people affected by conflict.
Below you will find five original prayers, scripture verses from the Bible, and answers to common questions about the day.
A Prayer for Peace on the Assisi Anniversary
God of all peace, forty years ago leaders gathered in Assisi to seek Your help for a broken world. Today, on this anniversary, we lift our own voices to ask for that same gift. Where anger divides neighbors and weapons take the place of words, bring stillness and quiet. Teach us to turn away from evil and pursue the good that leads to lasting calm. Soften hearts that have grown cold toward others. Open paths of reconciliation where every door appears closed. We place our neighborhoods, our homes, and our world into Your hands, trusting that Your mercy reaches deeper than our divisions. Grant us courage to seek peace each day. Amen.
A Prayer for the Leaders and Delegates at Assisi
Lord, we pray for the representatives from many nations who gather in Assisi around the call for an unarmed and disarming peace. Bless their conversations and their forums. Give them patience to listen across differences and wisdom to speak words that heal rather than wound. May their shared presence stand as a reminder that prayer and dialogue remain a steady resource when human strength falters. Encourage all who organize and support this meeting. Let the goodwill shared in these discussions bear fruit far beyond the walls of Assisi. May their witness inspire ordinary people everywhere to choose understanding over suspicion. Amen.
A Short Prayer for Peace to Pray on October 27
Lord Jesus, You gave Your followers a peace unlike anything the world can offer. Today we ask for that peace in our thoughts, in our families, and across every land where conflict lingers. Calm our fears when headlines cause distress. Keep our hands steady and our words gentle so that we do not add to the strife around us. On this day of remembrance and prayer, draw people of faith together in common petition for the vulnerable and the weary. Bring safety to those living under threat, and grant rest to all who labor for reconciliation. Amen.
A Prayer for Those Living in Conflict
Heavenly Father, we remember today every person whose daily life is shaped by tension, fear, or violence. You know each name, each loss, and every unspoken cry for safety. Comfort families who have been displaced or separated from those they love. Strengthen individuals who work to deliver food, medicine, and shelter to areas in need. While we offer our prayers from afar, remind us that prayer must accompany real, practical care for our neighbors. Give leaders the resolve to lay down arms and pursue justice with quiet determination. Shield the innocent, heal the wounded, and restore hope where despair has taken root. Amen.
A One-Breath Prayer for Peace
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace, and grant quiet to our world today. Amen.
Scripture to pray
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.— Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.— Psalm 34:14 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.— John 14:27 (ESV)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace?
The Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace is an international gathering first convened in Assisi, Italy, by Pope St. John Paul II in 1986. He invited leaders of Christian churches and diverse world religions to come together to pray for peace. October 27, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of that gathering.
What is happening in Assisi on October 27, 2026?
On October 27, 2026, Assisi hosts the final day of a three-day international meeting organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio under the title "Unarmed and Disarming Peace." The event runs from October 25 to 27 and gathers about 384 representatives from 53 countries. Participants take part in 24 thematic forums.
Is Pope Leo XIV going to Assisi?
Pope Leo XIV had been scheduled to attend the gathering in Assisi on October 27, 2026. On October 23, 2026, the Holy See Press Office announced that he will not attend in person, to aid his recovery, on his doctors' advice. Instead, he will send a message of solidarity to the organizers, religious leaders, and guests. The announcement noted his conviction that dialogue and the spirit of Assisi remain vital resources during times of conflict.
What does the "Spirit of Assisi" mean?
The "Spirit of Assisi" refers to religious leaders coming together to pray for peace side by side. Each delegation prays according to its own religious tradition. The Holy See has said Pope Leo XIV is convinced that this spirit and dialogue are a valuable resource in a time of conflict.
How can I pray for peace on October 27?
You can pray for peace on October 27 simply by setting aside a few minutes, either alone or with family and friends, to ask God for an end to conflict and for calm in human hearts. You can use one of the original prayers provided on this page or meditate on passages such as Matthew 5:9. Prayer does not replace practical assistance for those suffering, but anyone can join in asking God for healing and reconciliation.
Did St. Francis write the Peace Prayer?
The prayer beginning with the words "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace" is popularly called the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. However, historians have not found the text in the historical writings of St. Francis of Assisi.