Peace Pole Sculpture

Amidst Loyola University’s bustling campus, a silent sentinel stands: the Peace Pole Sculpture. It’s an often overlooked monument, yet it holds a powerful message. The Peace Pole Sculpture at Loyola University was dedicated in 2010. It was a collaborative effort by the Loyola Anti-War Network, Campus Ministry, and Hillel. Although the Anti-War Network is no longer active on campus, the Peace Pole continues to share their message of peace. This six-and-a-half-foot tall sculpture is part of a much larger, global movement. The concept of the Peace Pole originated in 1955 with Masahisa Goi, founder of the World Peace Prayer Society. His vision was simple yet profound: “May peace prevail on Earth.” This message, translated into multiple languages on each pole, symbolizes international unity and the shared aspiration for peace. Goi’s idea initially remained within Japan. However, after his passing in 1983, his adopted daughter, Masami Saionji, expanded the project internationally. The Peace Pole Sculpture at Loyola reflects this global reach, displaying the message of peace in several languages, including Hindi, Hebrew, Potawatomi, Chinese, English, Spanish, Arabic, and Polish. It has even served as a focal point for remembrances of September 11th. The World Peace Prayer Society estimates that there are now approximately 200,000 Peace Poles around the world. These poles vary greatly in size, from just a few inches to the towering 54-foot pole in Ghana. The Peace Pole’s message has resonated with influential figures across the globe, including Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II, Shimon Peres, Coretta Scott King, and Jane Goodall. The World Peace Prayer Society, still actively promoting peace, holds affiliation with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The Peace Pole Sculpture at Loyola University stands as a testament to the enduring human desire for peace, a quiet reminder amidst the daily activity of campus life. It connects Loyola to a global network united by this shared ideal.