Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean, an active member of the community of practice Walking towards Peace, reaffirms its commitment to building peace, both in the practical and spiritual spheres, through its national, diocesan and parish Cáritas. This September 21, International Day of Peace, Caritas joins the global call to strengthen efforts in conflict prevention and resolution, working directly with local communities to address the root causes of violence. This work is reflected in programs that promote peace from the base, protecting community development.

The promotion of peace is closely linked to democracy, citizenship and human rights, fundamental pillars for lasting peace. Caritas firmly believes that we will only achieve true peace when all individuals, without distinction, have access to their fundamental rights and are heard in democratic systems that promote justice and equality. This approach underlines the importance of a profound change of mentality, in which dialogue and cooperation replace confrontation, building a culture of peace from the roots.

In this year 2024, Caritas also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on a Culture of Peace, recognizing that peace is not a passive state, but an active process that requires the participation of everyone. This statement reaffirms the importance of resolving conflicts through mutual cooperation and understanding, values ​​that Caritas embodies in its education and non-violence programs locally and internationally.

Caritas' commitment to peace is aligned with Pope Francis' message for the 2025 World Day of Peace, under the theme "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us your peace." This message highlights that personal conversion and forgiveness are essential to achieving true and lasting peace. For Cáritas, reconciliation is a cornerstone in the construction of peace, and its daily work seeks to integrate these values ​​in communities affected by violence and injustice.

Cáritas also coincides with the vision of the United Nations on the promotion of peace, understanding that world peace is not limited to the cessation of hostilities, but requires the creation of just conditions that respect life, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Cáritas works tirelessly to make these principles materialize in the communities that need it most, demonstrating that peace is an achievable goal through collective action and solidarity.

This International Day of Peace, Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean reiterates that peace is not an unattainable ideal, but a possible reality if we all commit to building a more just, reconciled and harmonious world. It is a call to action not only for governments, but for every person who dreams of a future where humanity prospers in peace and justice.