For Disarmament and Peace
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This month, Pope Leo invites us to pray for disarmament and peace and asks that nations move toward effective nuclear disarmament and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy rather than violence. This intention carries profound meaning for me because of my experience this past August, when I joined a delegation of students, faculty, and bishops on a pilgrimage to Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the eightieth anniversary of the atomic bombings.
The pilgrimage lived the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope, fostering reconciliation and peace through shared prayer and dialogue. Walking through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum quickly took away any emotional distance I had brought with me. The images of burned children, the human shadows seared into stone, the shredded school uniforms, and the accounts of radiation sickness confronted me with the full horror of nuclear weapons. I felt sadness, anger, guilt, and disbelief that human beings could inflict such violence on one another. Over time, these emotions turned into a sense of responsibility. A message displayed by Hiroshima high school students expressed it clearly: “We may be weak, but we are not powerless.” This truth became real through my conversations with Japanese university students. As we shared our fears and hopes for peace, I saw how often peace begins in simple encounters where people recognize one another as human beings rather than strangers.
Meeting survivors deepened this conviction even further. Their willingness to speak about painful memories was an act of trust and hope, and it ensured that the world will not forget what happened. One moment that will remain with me forever was the Peace Mass at Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki. Standing before the damaged crucifix and the burned head of Mary, I heard the Archbishop of Nagasaki preach that God does not destroy us but forgives us and even gives his life for us. He said, “Our hope lies in God’s hands. Let us live as God’s hands.”
His words helped me understand more clearly that Christ’s call to be peacemakers is not an optional invitation. Peace in the world begins with peace in our own hearts, and true disarmament starts within. We can disarm our language by avoiding harsh or aggressive words. In conflict, we can choose dialogue and seek understanding. We can let go of small daily forms of violence like impatience or contempt. We can stay informed about places in conflict and pray for them. Most of all, we can act with justice in our relationships, remembering that peace is the fruit of just and loving lives.
As we pray with the Holy Father this month, may we become instruments of peace in our homes, our universities, our churches, and our world. May our lives reflect the Gospel call to be peacemakers so that the devastation witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is never repeated.
By William deGuzman
William is an intern with PWPN USA and studies Finance and Theology at Marquette University in Milwaukee.