Religious Leaders Unite in Geneva to Call for Peace | January 2026

Geneva, Switzerland – In a demonstration of interfaith solidarity, leaders from six major world religions convened in Geneva on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to issue a joint call for peace. The gathering took place in a former church near the European headquarters of the United Nations, amidst a backdrop of escalating global geopolitical tensions.

A Unified Plea for Peace

The event, organized by the Holy See’s Mission in Geneva, brought together representatives from the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was among the prominent figures present, alongside Maxime Photos, representing the Orthodox Church in Switzerland, and Chantal Eberlé, President of the Protestant Church of Geneva.

The Call to Action

Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the urgency of the peace effort, referencing recent appeals from Pope León XIV. He stated that these calls demand continued striving for peace, “although it may seem fragile, distant, or unrealistic.” The gathering underscored a shared commitment to peacebuilding in a world increasingly marked by conflict and fragmentation.

Did You Know? Representatives from 60 diplomatic missions in Geneva, along with the Director Executive of the European headquarters of the UN, Tatiana Valovaya, and senior officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR) attended the event.

Beyond the Christian representation, the event included participation from Rabbi François Garaï, Mohamed Levrak, sub-director of the Islamic Cultural Foundation of Geneva, and Buddhist monk Tawalama Dhammika. Each leader brought a unique perspective to the shared goal of peace.

Spiritual Dimensions of Peace

Monk Dhammika highlighted the internal aspect of peace, stating, “Buda taught us that peace is not something we impose on the world, but something we draw from ourselves. Before we can disarm nations, we must disarm the mind.” This sentiment resonated with the broader theme of addressing the root causes of conflict.

Expert Insight: This interfaith gathering demonstrates a recognition that purely political or military solutions to global conflicts are insufficient. By emphasizing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of peace, the leaders are acknowledging the need for a more holistic approach to addressing the underlying drivers of instability.

Participants noted the dangers of division and the potential for religious beliefs to be exploited to fuel hatred. Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that the meeting itself demonstrated a desire among religious leaders to “cooperate to adopt a different attitude toward current social and political problems.”

Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the UN and the event’s organizer, added that such interreligious activities serve to remind all involved that “the spiritual dimension is essential if we want to work for peace.” The event directly responded to Pope León XIV’s call for peace issued earlier in the year, framed around the message “Peace be with you: towards a disarming and disarmed peace.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organized the interfaith gathering?

The event was organized by the Holy See’s Mission in Geneva.

Which religions were represented at the event?

Leaders from the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths participated.

What was the central message of the gathering?

The central message was a joint call for peace, emphasizing the need for continued efforts towards peacebuilding despite the challenges and the importance of addressing the spiritual dimensions of conflict.

As global tensions persist, will this interfaith dialogue lead to concrete actions and initiatives aimed at fostering peace and understanding?