In a world marked by war and division, Pope Leo XIV is once again reminding the faithful that peace will never come through hatred or revenge. On August 22, the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he called Catholics around the globe to unite in a day of prayer and fasting for peace.
A World Wounded by Conflict
According to Vatican News, the independent portal ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project) reports more than 56 ongoing wars and violent clashes. Some are well known, such as those in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, while others remain “forgotten” conflicts that still cause tremendous suffering, from the civil war in Yemen to the ongoing unrest in Myanmar and Haiti (Vatican News, August 22, 2025).
PRAYER FOR THE IMMACULATE QUEEN OF PEACE – FREE PRAYER PDF DOWNLOAD
The Pope addressed this grim reality directly, writing on his official @Pontifex account: “Hearts may be freed from hatred… we may abandon the logic of division and retaliation, and that a comprehensive vision inspired by the common good may prevail.” (Vatican News).
The Church Responds
From Rome to Latin America to Asia, Catholics have answered the Holy Father’s call. Episcopal conferences, dioceses, and religious communities organized Masses, prayer vigils, and fasting.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy urged prayer for “an unarmed and disarming peace.” In Spain, Archbishop Luis Argüello encouraged Catholics to “intensify prayer and attitudes in favour of peace.” Cardinal Jaime Spengler, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council, asked that the Pope’s appeal be shared widely so that “the cry for peace may rise united in the heart of the Church throughout the world” (Vatican News).
Even in places deeply scarred by war, the Church has responded with faith. In Yemen, Apostolic Vicar Paolo Martinelli encouraged the faithful to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, for the Holy Land and for all who suffer from conflict. In Pakistan, Cambodia, and Myanmar, small Christian communities gathered in prayer despite the dangers surrounding them (Vatican News).
The Call to a Change of Heart
But Pope Leo XIV insists prayer must be joined with a deeper conversion of heart. During his General Audience on August 20, he warned that the “piecemeal Third World War” unfolding around us will not end with more weapons or retaliation. Instead, he said plainly: “Without forgiveness there will never be peace.”
“True forgiveness does not wait for repentance, but is offered first,” the Pope explained. “Forgiving does not mean denying evil, but preventing it from generating more evil” (Vatican News).
A Catholic Path Forward
The Pope’s appeal on the Queenship of Mary reminds us that peace is not only a political goal, it is a Gospel command. Mary, Queen of Peace, intercedes for her children when hatred and revenge threaten to rule human hearts.
As Catholics, we are invited not only to fast and pray, but to embody this change of perspective in our daily lives: to forgive when wronged, to resist the temptation of anger, and to become true peacemakers in our homes, parishes, and communities.
The Pope’s words echo the heart of the Gospel itself: reconciliation through Christ. And they challenge us to believe that peace, though fragile and long awaited, can begin with us.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
