At a time when the world marks on September 21 every year the International Day of Peace, which is a day the United Nations has dedicated to fortifying ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire, it is important to recall the statements and positions made by His Holiness Pope Francis on the need to bring about global peace.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis never missed any opportunity to reflect on the values of peace as well as on the need to build a lasting peace.

he Prince of Lies cannot lie in the presence of Christ: "I know who you are — the Holy One of God!" (Luke 4:34). And Christ who is the Truth knows him, too: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18).

Taking a bird’s eye view on current world affairs, one can come to the conclusions that most of world disasters over the years have been man-made.

The current world affairs are not promising as well, particularly in the Middle East. With the turn of the decade, namely 2011, the Middle East countries have been living a long nightmare of bloodbaths, violence, forced displacements, bankruptcy, and days that augur a bleak future.

Amongst that white-robed army the class of 1945 wrote some bold lines. As the coronavirus put paid to many of the 75th anniversary commemorations of the end of World War II, an ancillary consequence was that some of the most inspiring Catholic martyrs of that year have not had the recognition they deserve.

The Holy See has all the time been highlighting issues relevant to ensuring measures that guarantee a dignified and safe life for humans by forestalling any factors that threaten or degrade human life.

On the other hand, Pope Francis has repeatedly urged prayer and commitment to free the world from nuclear weapons. During a visit on November 24, 2019 to the two Japanese cities razed by atomic bombs during World War II, namely Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Pope Francis called for a “world without nuclear weapons.”

September 21 marks the Feast of St. Matthew.

Before reflecting on St. Matthew, it is important to note that the turning point in his life was the divine statement made by Lord Jesus to St. Matthew telling him, "Follow me”.

He immediately became a disciple of Lord Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus represents a nonpareil honor or rather the utmost hope of every sinner.

Catholic bishops have met with President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit in an expression of willingness to join efforts with the government for the attainment of peace and growth of the people in the Republic of South Sudan.
The delegation of the Catholic bishops included Mgr. Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of Tombura-Yambio; and Mgr. Stephen Amenyu, Archbishop of Juba.

The Holy Bible has been translated into the Pazande language which is spoken in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.

This event instills joy and exhilaration in the people living in these countries, as they will be able to be familiarized with "the Word of God" which calls for love and peace.

The translation of the Holy Bible into the Pazande language, in the first place, is in line with the teaching of Lord Jesus Christ who urged His disciples to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature.

In the preface of a book in Italian titled, Per un sapere della pace (For Knowledge of Peace), Pope Francis encourages collaboration between the Church and universities for a world without war and violence.

In this preface, Pope Francis reiterates the need to invest in the younger generations to address the challenges posed by climate change, war, and violence prevailing in various societies nowadays.

Fraternity for Saint Francis was not an abstract theory, but a concrete gift from God to each and every person. Even today, the “Poverello” of Assisi reminds us that we cannot truly be brothers and sisters if we do not see ourselves as children of one Father.