Actor and activist Martin Sheen, and the late Pope Francis will be honored by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) at its 38th Evening for Peace, Friday, Sept. 26 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
Sheen will receive the Daniel Ellsberg Lifetime Achievement Award. Pope Francis will be recognized posthumously with the Distinguished Peace Leader Award.
The event coincides with the celebration of the International Day for Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, recognized yearly by the United Nations.
Sheen is being lauded for his lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and nuclear disarmament, NAPF said. Over six decades, he has balanced acclaimed acting roles in film and television — including “Apocalypse Now” and “The West Wing” — with a deep dedication to activism.
Sheen has been arrested more than 60 times for nonviolent protest and has consistently spoken out against nuclear weapons, climate inaction, and social injustice, NAPF said.
Pope Francis (1936-2025) is being honored for his moral leadership and advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons.
During his papacy, he strongly supported the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), urging nations to reject “short-sighted approaches to security” and embrace disarmament, according to NAPF.
Pope Francis considered the mere possession of nuclear weapons to be immoral, and believed that their abolition was not only necessary, but also possible. His legacy continues to inspire global efforts for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship, NAPF said.
“Adding Martin Sheen and Pope Francis to our long list of honorees is both humbling and inspiring,” said Ivana Nikolić Hughes, president of NAPF. “They represent the courage, compassion and vision needed to advance a world free of nuclear weapons.”
As part of the evening’s program, Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse will issue a proclamation in honor of the International Day for Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons and NAPF.
The Evening for Peace will include a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner program, 6:30-8:30 p.m..
Event proceeds support NAPF’s global advocacy, youth leadership, and United Nations initiatives on nuclear disarmament, including the TPNW.
Tickets and sponsorships are available through Sept. 17 at https://www.wagingpeace.org/38th-evening-for-peace-honoring-martin-sheen-and-pope-francis.
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit with a mission to educate and advocate for a just and peaceful world, one that is free of nuclear weapons.
Since its founding in 1982, NAPF has been at the forefront of global efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and foster a culture of peace. Currently, NAPF is immersed in the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, among other projects.