Pilgrimage of Peace
A World Without Nuclear Weapons
“Never again war, never again the clash of arms, never again so much suffering! May peace come in our time and to our world.”
~ Pope Francis, Peace Memorial, November 2019
Walking Together for Peace
In partnership with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a group of pilgrims went on a Pilgrimage for Peace in Japan in August 2023. On August 9, 2023, the bishops of these four arch/dioceses signed a declaration expressing their intention to create a partnership with the aim of realizing a world without nuclear weapons.
In August 2025, during the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Archbishop Etienne joined other bishops and cardinals to participate in another Pilgrimage of Peace. See below for Archbishop Etienne's remarks during the pilgrimage.
August 2025 pilgrimage announcement
Message from Pope Leo XIV on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings
Archbishop Public Remarks
Pilgrimage of Peace
The 2023 Pilgrimage of Peace established an ecclesial and personal relationship with the bishops of Japan to work toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. Through open dialogue, shared prayers, and a commitment to unity, we strive to build to ensure such human suffering is never inflicted upon humanity again. With the Holy Spirit as our guiding light, and under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Nagasaki, we embark on this mission, standing with the bishops of Japan to create a legacy of peace for current and future generations.
2023 Pilgrims
Who: Delegations from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Seattle will travel together representing two major nuclear strongholds in the United States. They will be escorted by Hirokazu Miyazaki, Anthropology Professor at Northwestern University and Peace Correspondent for Nagasaki.
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle
Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe
Anne Avellone
Director, Social Justice and Respect Life, Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Helen McClenahan
Chief Communications Officer Archdiocese of Seattle
Leslie M. Radigan
Director, Communications/Social Media, Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
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Jay Coghlan
Executive Director, Nuclear Watch New Mexico
Hirokazu Miyazaki
Kay Davis Professor Department of Anthropology Northwestern University
Jim Thomas
Nuclear Disarmament Specialist
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