• Pope John Paul II's Appeal for Peace

During his February 25, 1981 visit to Hiroshima, Pope John Paul II delivered a moving and poignant speech entitled Appeal for Peace at Hiroshima, calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and end to all wars.

This monument, which stands inside the Peace Memorial Museum, was created to embody that appeal and serve as a bastion of hope for peace.

The abstract sculpture on the top represents humanity standing together in solidarity, united in the pursuit of a future full of harmony, security, and peaceful coexistence.

Courtesy of the Hiroshima Municipal Archives, photo by Hiroshi Aketa.

Pope John Paul II giving his Appeal for Peace during his visit to Hiroshima　(February 1981)　(Courtesy of the Asahi Shimbun)

Engraved on the monument in English and Japanese is this passage from the Appeal for Peace at Hiroshima:

War is the work of man.
War is destruction of human life.
War is death.
To remember the past is to commit oneself to the future.
To remember Hiroshima is to abhor nuclear war.
To remember Hiroshima is to commit oneself to peace.

Close-up of the epigraph.

Information

Pope John Paul II's Appeal for Peace

  • Address
    1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
  • Tel
    082-241-4004
  • Time
    March to November: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
    August: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
    September to November: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
    Note: Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
  • Access
    Streetcar: Take the 2 or 6 streetcar headed for Miyajima-guchi (宮島口) or Eba (江波), respectively, and get off at Genbaku Dome-mae (原爆ドーム前).
    Bus: Take the Maple Loop Sightseeing Bus to the Peace Memorial Park bus stop.
  • Fee
    Adults (university students and up): 200 yen
    High school students: 100 yen
    Junior high school students and younger: Free
    Senior citizens over 65: 100 yen (must show ID)

    Groups Rates:
    Adult groups of 30 or more: 160 yen
    High school student groups of 20 or more: Free

    Audio Guides in 17 languages are available for rent (300 yen each) in the lobby.
  • Holiday
    12/30-31
  • Barrier Free
    Barrier-free and fully equipped with handicapped parking and elevators. Barrier-free bathrooms are also available, as well as diaper changing stations and child seats in the bathrooms. Wheelchairs are also available for use free of charge.
  • MAP
    [map]
    Tap the name of the facility on Google Map and tap "View on Google Maps" to launch the application.

Places of peace near you: