Apostles for Today
March - 2026
Thomas Philipp
Political Peace:
A Service to Justice
The Call for Peace in a Torn World
Dear members of the Pallottine family, dear readers worldwide, we have dedicated this year 2026 to the general theme of “Peace.” After focusing on peace of the heart in January, we now broaden our perspective to the community, the coexistence of peoples, and the responsibility of those who are meant to shape our society: political peace.
We live in a time when 56 armed conflicts are raging worldwide and over 100 million people are fleeing violence. As someone living in the heart of Europe -between Germany and Belgium - I see every day how fragile this peace is. Brussels, the seat of the most important European institutions as well as NATO, is not only a place of administration but a symbol of the effort to create a lasting peace order from the ruins of two world wars. Yet even here, we feel the tensions: the fear of external threats challenges us. It leads to social and societal division, which results in populism on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
Dear members of the Pallottine family, dear readers worldwide, we have dedicated this year 2026 to the general theme of “Peace.” After focusing on peace of the heart in January, we now broaden our perspective to the community, the coexistence of peoples, and the responsibility of those who are meant to shape our society: political peace.
We live in a time when 56 armed conflicts are raging worldwide and over 100 million people are fleeing violence. As someone living in the heart of Europe -between Germany and Belgium - I see every day how fragile this peace is. Brussels, the seat of the most important European institutions as well as NATO, is not only a place of administration but a symbol of the effort to create a lasting peace order from the ruins of two world wars. Yet even here, we feel the tensions: the fear of external threats challenges us. It leads to social and societal division, which results in populism on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
Amidst this fragmentation, Pope Leo XIV reminds us of a radical concept: we need a peace that is “disarmed and disarming.” Political peace is not a utopia for “others,” but a reality that must dwell within each of us, as we are all involved in making it happen.
The Biblical Foundation: Justice as the Path to Peace
To understand how we can become “just people” for a political peace, a deeper look into Holy Scripture helps us:
• Faithfulness to God's Law: “Great peace have those who love your law; in
their path they find no stumbling block” (Ps 119:165). In a political context, this
means that peace is not merely the result of treaties or deterrence. It grows
where the common good and the divine order of justice are placed above selfinterested power motives. Whoever integrates the law of love into their political actions finds a firm path.
The Biblical Foundation: Justice as the Path to Peace
To understand how we can become “just people” for a political peace, a deeper look into Holy Scripture helps us:
• Faithfulness to God's Law: “Great peace have those who love your law; in
their path they find no stumbling block” (Ps 119:165). In a political context, this
means that peace is not merely the result of treaties or deterrence. It grows
where the common good and the divine order of justice are placed above selfinterested power motives. Whoever integrates the law of love into their political actions finds a firm path.
• The Armor of the Gospel: The Apostle Paul calls us to move forward not with weapons of steel, but with the “armor of righteousness” and the “zeal for the proclamation of the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:14-16). In a world calling for armament, the “shield of faith” is our most important defense to extinguish hatred.
• Radical Love for Enemies: Jesus presents us with the greatest challenge:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). In politics,
this signifies a revolution: seeing the opponent not as an object of destruction,
but as a partner in dialogue. This is “spiritual food” for the harsh reality of daily
political life.
Political Peace as a Service (Servizio)
Political peace is inextricably linked to the concept of serving. Serving is an expression of love and humility that places the value of others above one's own interests. If politicians and citizens alike were to begin understanding politics as a service to one's neighbor, the logic of power would be transformed into a logic of responsibility. A “just person” in the political sense is someone who sees and heals the “structural wounds” of our society. From my political experience, for example in the European Parliament in Brussels, I know how important compromise is - not as a weakness, but as a high-level service to peace. It means standing up for those who have no voice - the victims of recession and violence, the poor in our cities, the forgotten elderly, the unheard, and the marginalized.
•The Pallottine Impulse: “To become all things to all people”
Saint Vincent Pallotti is a shining example for us. His motto “To become all things to all people” (farsi tutto a tutti) was not an empty phrase. He saw the presence of God in every human being, regardless of rank or origin. For our contemporary efforts toward political peace, Pallotti’s legacy means:
• Acting Together: “The good done together is more lasting and effective,” our
founder said. Political peace requires the “togetherness” of the entire human
family.
• Being a Sign of Unity: The UAC is called to renew the world with the power of
apostolic love. If we model unity and respect within our own community, we will
become credible actors for peace in the public sphere.
How do we become “just people” for peace?
Political peace begins on a small scale. It manifests in our ability to forgive, to
listen, and to give without expectations. The bishops of the European Bishops' Conference “COMECE”, also based in Brussels, remind us that as Christians in Europe, we have a special responsibility to build bridges to other parts of the world. To be a “just person” for political peace today means: • Having the courage to reject the logic of violence.
• Getting one’s “hands dirty” by entering into dialogue with those who think differently.
• Advocating for a just distribution of resources because, as Pope Francis said, peace is not just the silence of weapons but a life in abundance for all.
Questions for Personal and Communal ReflectionAt the conclusion of this month of March, I invite you, dear Pallottine sisters and brothers, to reflect on the following questions:• Where do I experience tensions in my environment (family, neighborhood,workplace, parish) resulting from different political views, and how can I act as a "just person" to balance them?• What does the demand for a “disarmed peace” mean for my own language, for example, on social media?• How can we as a Pallottine community promote the “common good” in our local and European politics?• Where do I see signs of enduring hope for peace today—despite all the crises?
A Concrete Proposal
Let us rediscover the Angelus prayer and pray it every day at 12:00 PM, as is the
ancient custom and as Pope Francis recently urgently requested again. Let us
specifically ask for wisdom and a “heart of flesh” for politicians and decision-makers worldwide, so that they may find paths toward reconciliation.
May the peace of Christ dwell in our hearts and guide our actions in the world.
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