Forty years of the Spirit of Assisi from John Paul II to Leo XIV

The legacy of the Spirit of Assisi spans four pontificates on the 40th anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace. Pope John Paul II originally convened this day of prayer on October 27, 1986, and explored its theological significance.

The tradition has continued through subsequent popes. Benedict XVI extended the dialogue to include non-believers, while Pope Francis has called for fraternity. Pope Leo XIV invites religions to find an antidote to hatred and violence by returning to their own roots.