Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo urged a year-round commitment to promoting peace and upholding divine order, in a homily delivered at the Tokyo Cathedral of St. Mary on June 24.
Speaking to the congregation during the Mass for the Tokyo Diocese Priests, Archbishop Kikuchi highlighted the church’s ongoing role in cultivating a world that reflects God’s order.
“Working for God’s order to rule this world is working for peace, and for us, this is a mission that we must work on not only during this summer but throughout the year,” he said.
The timing of his message is critical as Japan nears significant war anniversaries that traditionally amplify discussions on peace.
Archbishop Kikuchi, who heads the Vatican’s Caritas Internationalis, criticized the transient nature of these commemorations and called for a more enduring engagement.
“It is important that there are events throughout the year that remind us of the preciousness of peace. At the same time, for us, it is an opportunity not just to appeal for the absence of war throughout the year, but to remind ourselves of the importance of standing up against all things that hinder the rule of God’s order,” he said.
In his homily, the Archbishop also addressed broader global challenges, including environmental crises and social injustices, which he sees as barriers to achieving divine order.
He recounted examples from recent Caritas meetings, such as the plight of communities in Bangladesh facing the existential threat of rising sea levels.
“We heard from the faithful in Bangladesh about their islands disappearing beneath rising seas—this isn’t just about losing homes, but about a community losing its place in the world,” said Archbishop Kikuchi.
With the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, Archbishop Kikuchi said the Church is preparing the Ten Days of Peace.
This effort aims to broaden the church’s advocacy for peace, integrating it into everyday practices and policies rather than limiting it to historical anniversaries.
The prelate challenged individuals and institutions to rethink their engagement with peace underscoring the need for a sustained and holistic approach to building a society that faithfully reflects divine order every day.
