As wars continue to scar the Holy Land, Ukraine, and regions across the globe, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal to Catholics everywhere: dedicate August 22, the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace.
The Pope made his call during his weekly General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, turning his attention to the countless victims of war and conflict. According to Vatican News, he urged the faithful to join together on this feast day, imploring God’s mercy and the intercession of Mary, “the Mother of the faithful here on earth,” who is remembered as “the Queen of Peace.”
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Quoting directly from his remarks, the Pope invited Catholics to unite in prayer: “as our world continues to be wounded by wars – in the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in other parts of the world – I invite all the faithful to take part in a day of prayer and fasting for all those who suffer because of war, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts.” (Vatican News)
He went on to emphasize the power of Mary’s intercession in this time of crisis: “May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace.”
The Pope also turned his thoughts to pilgrims gathered from Poland who were making their way to the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa at Jasna Góra. He encouraged them to lift up their voices for the world, asking them “to include in your intentions the supplication for the gift of peace – a peace that is disarmed and disarming – for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East.” (Vatican News)
A Call for Catholics Everywhere
This invitation is not only for those present in Rome but for Catholics across the globe. On August 22, the Pope is asking the Church to join together in solidarity, uniting fasting with fervent prayer, trusting in Mary’s maternal care for all her children.
By dedicating this day to prayer and sacrifice, Catholics are reminded that peace begins with the conversion of hearts and the grace of God, a grace we beg for together as one body in Christ.
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