At the conclusion of the Pax Christi International World Gathering, held in Florence from 5 to 9 November 2025, the Movement released an official press statement outlining insights and reflections that emerged from the opportunity to meet once again in person from all over the world.
Eighty years of shared journey have highlighted Pax Christi International’s unwavering commitment to continue pursuing a path grounded in Just Peace. This is the spirit with which we now set out, as the year draws to a close, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead with renewed confidence in our mission to promote a global call to Nonviolence.
We are also deeply pleased to use this statement to announce that, for the next three years, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo will join Sister Wamuyu Wachira as Co-President of Pax Christi International. Bishop of the Diocese of Kidapawan in the Philippines, Bishop Bagaforo officially succeeds Bishop Marc Stenger, ensuring continuity in the Movement’s dedication to its peace mission.
Press Release
Pax Christi International Concludes 80th Anniversary Gathering in Florence with Renewed Commitment to Peace and Nonviolence
Global Catholic peace movement elects new leadership, launches Youth Forum, and honors the Diocese of El Paso with the 2025 Peace Award.
(Florence, November 10, 2025) — On Sunday, November 9, Pax Christi International (PCI), the global Catholic peace movement, concluded its 80th Anniversary World Gathering in Florence, Italy, marking a new chapter in its mission to promote peace, justice, and Gospel Nonviolence around the world.
The five-day event brought together Church leaders, theologians, peacebuilders, and young activists from more than 50 countries to both celebrate and reflect on the movement’s eight-decade legacy and to chart its path forward amid the global challenges of violence,
inequality, and ecological crisis.
In attendance was Archbishop Giovanni Ricchiuti, President of Pax Christi Italy. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, was unable to attend in person but sent a message of support to the movement, highlighting the vital role of faith-based movements in advancing dialogue and reconciliation in today’s fractured world. “I wish to say thank you for the ecclesial service you provide in no fewer than 50 countries in favor of peace,” his letter to the World Gathering opened. “Beginning from that distant 1945, when in Lourdes Bishop Monsignor Théas and Madame Dortel-Claudot gave life to the dream of a Europe and a world that, after two terrible and devastating world wars, would finally begin to walk along ‘Isaiah’s paths.’
Highlights from the Florence Gathering
The 80th-anniversary celebration opened with a ceremony commemorating Pax Christi’s founding mission of reconciliation and its enduring call to transform conflict through nonviolence. Over the five days, participants engaged in moments of prayer, reflection, and dialogue,
centered on the themes of justice, peace, and care for creation.
A central moment of the week was the pilgrimage to Casa per la Pace, symbolizing eight decades of the movement’s journey of solidarity and spiritual renewal. The Extraordinary Assembly of Pax Christi International convened members to discern the organization’s future
direction and to elect new leadership. The gathering also marked the launch of the Pax Christi Youth Forum, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to empower young peacebuilders as agents of dialogue and reconciliation.
The week culminated with the Peace Award Ceremony, honoring the Diocese of El Paso (USA) for its courageous witness to Gospel nonviolence and steadfast defense of migrant and border communities. Bishop Mark Seitz emphasized the Church’s ongoing commitment in the United States to defend and protect immigrants, and to uplift the values and contributions that immigrants make to our country, beginning with their deep faith: “There is a prophetic dimension to this work. Our solidarity must be visible… The way of love cannot be hidden under a bushel basket. It must be embodied, incarnate, and public.” In a subsequent address, Bishop Seitz added: “I fully expect the Church to be persecuted.”
Throughout the sessions, participants reflected on global challenges such as fragile democracies, ecological justice, and integral human security. Each discussion reaffirmed Pax Christi’s conviction that true peace depends on justice, respect for human rights, and the restoration of relationships among peoples and with creation.
A Renewed Global Mission
The election of Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo as Co-President of Pax Christi International (2025–2028), alongside Sister Wamuyu Wachira, marks a new era in the movement’s global mission. Together, they will guide Pax Christi International in deepening its commitment to justice, peace, and Gospel nonviolence, building on eight decades of prophetic witness and
grassroots engagement.
Born in 1954, Bishop Bagaforo currently serves as the Bishop of Kidapawan in the Philippines, a role he has held since his appointment by Pope Francis in 2016. A longtime advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and interreligious dialogue, he has led Caritas Philippines for six years and will assume leadership of the Philippine Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue next year. Known for his moral leadership, Bishop Bagaforo has spoken out against environmental degradation and corruption, calling for integrity and
accountability in public life.
When he was informed on Sunday by the Pax Christi International Secretary General, Martha Inés Romero, about the decision taken by the Assembly members, Bishop Colin said:
“It is an honor and a privilege for me to be working with the global Pax Christi International movement. Let me express my humble gratitude for this opportunity to be of service… For peace!”
His appointment reflects Pax Christi International’s enduring commitment to accompany local Churches and communities in the pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
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