Caritas Argentina launches Pope Francis peace award with eight categories

Caritas Argentina has launched an award called "Papa Francisco - Poliedro por la Paz" (Pope Francis - Polyhedron for Peace) together with the Comisión Nacional Justicia y Paz (National Justice and Peace Commission), Acción Católica Argentina (Catholic Action of Argentina) and the Episcopal Commission for Social Ministry. The award will recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and communities whose concrete work helps change social conditions. The award was presented on September 1, 2026.

The award forms part of the third edition of the Poliedro por la Paz, which now has an international reach. The organizers said the award is not only a tribute but also an invitation to look at work already under way on the margins of society. "People who support, accompany, organize and open paths of dignity and hope" are essential to building a better world, they said.

Eight categories

The award has eight categories covering different areas of social work. "Manos que cuidan" (Hands that care) recognizes comprehensive support for those most in need. "Puerta Abierta" (Open Door) is for hospitality and organizing. "Alegría que se comunica y se hace obra" (Joy that is shared and becomes action) recognizes witness to the Gospel in service. "Juventudes que siembran esperanza" (Young people who sow hope) is for young people's involvement in the common good.

The other categories are "Mujeres que transforman" (Women who transform), for leadership by women, and "Custodios de la Creación" (Guardians of Creation), for care of the environment. "Cultura que inspira y sana" (Culture that inspires and heals) is for peace through the arts, and "Empresas para el bien común" (Businesses for the common good) aims to strengthen the link between production and community.

How to apply

The call for nominations is open to the public. Organizers have invited nominations of people and communities running projects that serve the common good. Those behind a project may nominate it themselves, or a third party may put it forward. The deadline is October 30, and nominations already submitted in 2025 will be considered.

The organizers said peace should not be seen as an abstract idea but as a gift from God and a shared task built through relationships and everyday actions. They recall the phrase "no one is saved alone," which echoes Pope Francis's teaching. The initiative uses the polyhedron as a symbol of a world in which differences exist side by side and enrich one another.

Awards ceremony

The ceremony will take place on December 17, the anniversary of Pope Francis's birth, at the Teatro Argentino in La Plata. The awards will be presented, and the event will include testimonies, video presentations and live music. Details of the rules, conditions and entry form are on the award's official website.