Inside Assisi 1986: A Deep-Dive Into John Paul II’s Interreligious World Day of Prayer for Peace

Blasphemy and heresy for peace?

Inside Assisi 1986: A Deep-Dive Into John Paul II’s Interreligious World Day of Prayer for Peace

It was 40 years ago, on Oct. 27, 1986, that ‘Pope’ John Paul II hosted the so-called World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy, for which he had invited representatives of the world’s major religions, and which over 70 delegations attended.

Well-known are the photos of the event, but how many people are familiar with what exactly transpired on that day — what ceremonies, rites, and prayers were offered, and what speeches were given?

In today’s edition of the Catholic Family Podcast, host Kevin Davis kindly allowed Novus Ordo Watch’s Mario Derksen to present background information and details about that infamous meeting, which was but the start of an unholy tradition that continues to this day.

The whole video episode is 2 hours and 25 minutes long and can be watched here (direct link here):

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Although John Paul II verbally denied that the event was relativistic, syncretist, or indifferentist, the photos and video footage of the sent a clear message, and it wasn’t Catholic: All religions are equally good, or at least good enough, to efficaciously petition God to grant peace to the world.

A great many sources were used to prepare for this show; we are making links to some of them available here:

• Video of Assisi Meeting: Various clips | Ecumenical prayer in morning, Buddhist worship (at 56:05) | Buddhist worship with incense on altar and Buddha on tabernacle | More details of Buddhist worship | Full RAI footage of afternoon outdoor session (requires VPN connection via Italy to watch)
• John Paul II’s speeches at Assisi: Welcome/Introduction | Ecumenical Prayer | Concluding Discourse
• John Paul II speaks about Assisi: Address to Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 1986) | Encyclical Redemptoris Missio (Dec. 7, 1990), see n. 29 | General Audience (Sep. 9, 1998) | Address at Interreligious Assembly (Oct. 28, 1999)
• Fr. Marcello Zago, OMI, “Day of Prayer for Peace” (OMI Documentation 147, February 1987)
• John Paul II on the Abomination at Assisi (Catholic Family Podcast with Louie Verrecchio, Oct. 27, 2026)
• Earthquake in Assisi (Sep. 26, 1997): Roof collapse of St. Francis of Assisi basilica | Severe Damage to St. Francis of Assisi basilica
• The Apostasy of Assisi: John Paul II’s ‘Finest Hour’ is not yet over (WM Review)
• Leo XIV to Visit Assisi for 40th Anniversary of Interreligious Prayer Meeting (Oct. 15, 2026)
• Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Ubi Arcano (1922)
• Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Quas Primas (1925)
• Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Mortalium Animos (1928)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid” (Jn 14:27).

Image source: YouTube (screenshot)
License: fair use