Peace is a presence and a journey 

By Msgr. John Wynand Katende

Posted on: Wednesday, 6th May 2026

 "If you want peace, prepare for war", a dictum by Roman general Vegetius. He believed that if a country desires peace, it must have an army, armed and prepared, to protect its citizens from those who desire to overtake it. Some thinkers argue for "If you want peace, prepare for peace"; suggesting investment in diplomacy rather than military strength. "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war" is a famous maxim by Winston Churchill advocating that negotiation is always preferable to armed conflict. 

The latter mindset befits the celebration of the first anniversary of Leo XIV's pontificate on May 8th 2026. According to media reports, “peace through dialogue” has become his central theme. He has shown an ever-growing willingness to apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ as an antidote to violence and ⁠the glaring violations of human rights that surround us.

At the outset of his just-concluded visit to four African countries, the Pope said that the “world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.” He was addressing the insatiable greed for power among many leaders and the maxim of “Might is right”, among other ills. On April 11, 2026, the Pope led a “Prayer Vigil for Peace”, in which he criticised how the name of God has been used to justify war and death. He stressed that military action will not create space for freedom because true freedom can come only from patient dialogue.

Pope Leo is just being true to his double leadership of Christ’s Church and head of the Vatican State. Vatican diplomacy is recognised as a unique system of international relations focusing on moral authority, peace-building, and humanitarian issues. “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death, but only through a dialogue that is reasonable, authentic and responsible.”  (Pope Leo XIV). He invites individuals and nations to be open to peace, welcome it and recognise it, rather than believing it to be impossible and beyond our reach. “Peace is more than just a goal; it is a presence and a journey." (Pope Leo XIV).

Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace. Peace was the fruit of Easter, resolving the two greatest threats to our peace: the internal discord of sin and the existential threat of death itself. His first words to the disciples after His resurrection were “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). His victory has deeply impacted the world and has come to those of goodwill throughout history. Humanity may now address its threat with an even greater power.

Christian martyrs, more than anyone else, proclaim the Easter peace of triumph over death, one that disarms the enemy and proclaims the coming of God’s kingdom. By laying down their lives rather than taking up arms, they overcame the enemy dominions, bringing them faith through the power of their blood. St. Augustine, Pope Leo’s mentor, spoke of peace as the tranquillity of order, which must be rooted first and foremost within the soul itself. Christians are meant to sanctify the world and enable it to share, even if only in limited ways, in the victory of Christ over sin and death.

The Catholic Church does have a tradition of “just war theory,” which argues that war can be waged ethically. Christians could take up arms, but only in the cause of justice. After World War II, however, the Church has stated its opposition to war clearly and consistently, since modern warfare is so destructive.

Conclusively, we realise that peacemaking is an active process. It requires action based on the right principles. Living the right way and keeping God’s law in respect of human relationships leads to peace and reconciliation. The Church must proclaim Christ as the only lasting source of peace. He is the one who provides our true standard for judging what we must do. If it is to suffer evil, we do so trusting in His victory over sin and death. If it is to engage evil in combat for the good of others, we do so without hatred and respecting the dignity even of our enemies. Eventually, we ought to believe that force alone cannot bring true peace, because it requires the tranquillity of order that comes from above.