In a world where conflict, war, and oppression continue to dominate headlines, Pax Christi International has issued a timely and urgent call to reimagine the pathway to peace. The globally recognized Catholic peace movement is championing the philosophy of proactive non-violence, not just as a moral choice, but as a practical and transformative strategy for addressing global injustices. At the heart of this message is the conviction that true peace cannot be achieved through force or suppression, but must be cultivated through deliberate, consistent acts of justice, empathy, and structural change.

Martha Inés Romero, Secretary General of Pax Christi International, passionately argues that non-violence should not be mistaken for passivity. Instead, it is an active, courageous stance—one that requires communities and individuals to confront injustice head-on, without resorting to hatred or violence. She explains that peace is not merely the absence of war or aggression, but the presence of justice, respect, and harmony in all human relationships. This vision is grounded in both Gospel values and real-world action, offering a credible alternative to cycles of violence and retaliation.

One powerful example Romero shared is the story of ZODEVITE, an indigenous and campesino movement from Chiapas, Mexico. When a large-scale mining project threatened their ancestral lands and the integrity of their environment, the community did not respond with violence or despair. Instead, they organized, educated, resisted peacefully, and engaged the legal system. Through perseverance and solidarity, they were able to halt the project entirely. This extraordinary victory earned them the Pax Christi International Peace Award in 2017 and stands as a testament to the effectiveness of non-violent struggle.

Romero’s message also highlights the deep-rooted challenges faced by those who take the non-violent path—especially in Latin America, where human rights defenders often face threats, violence, and criminalization. Still, the movement persists. For Pax Christi, these defenders are not just activists; they are prophets of peace, embodying a way of life that reflects human dignity and divine justice.

Drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions, Pax Christi emphasizes that the wisdom of native communities—particularly concepts like “Buen Vivir” or “Good Living” from Andean cosmology—must be at the center of any peacebuilding effort. This philosophy encourages a life in balance with nature, in mutual respect with one another, and with a focus on collective well-being rather than profit or domination. By integrating this worldview into their peace strategy, Pax Christi aims to challenge extractive economic models and restore a sense of sacred responsibility toward both people and the planet.

Pope Francis has also been a vocal supporter of proactive non-violence. His call for “disarming our minds and hearts” resonates strongly with Pax Christi’s mission. It reflects a belief that words and thoughts, just as much as weapons, shape our world. Changing the narrative—from one of enmity and division to one of dialogue and compassion—is essential to building a sustainable future. Pax Christi insists that this change must begin with education, especially among the youth, who are the architects of tomorrow’s societies.

Romero acknowledges that translating the ideal of non-violence into practical action is not easy. It requires a multifaceted approach that engages the personal, social, and institutional levels. On a personal level, it demands inner conversion—a recognition of one’s role in systems of violence, whether active or complicit. On a social level, it calls for community mobilization, the building of networks, and collective advocacy. On an institutional level, it means restructuring policies and laws to prioritize human rights, equity, and ecological care.

Ultimately, Pax Christi believes that peace is not a utopia—it is a choice. A choice made every day by individuals, movements, and institutions willing to listen, to heal, to confront injustice without replicating its violence. In a time where despair can easily take root, Pax Christi offers a bold and hopeful alternative: a world where proactive non-violence is not just an ideal, but a lived reality capable of reshaping humanity's future.