Pope Leo XIV has outlined a comprehensive spiritual and pastoral roadmap for the year ahead with the release of his worldwide prayer intentions for 2026, inviting Catholics across the globe to unite in monthly prayer for the Church and the world.
Through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Holy Father continues the tradition of dedicating each month to a specific intention, encouraging the faithful to pray while also reflecting on concrete challenges facing humanity. Each intention is accompanied by a video message in which the pope explains why the topic was chosen.
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According to Catholic News Agency, Pope Leo begins the year in January by calling Catholics to pray “that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities,” with the goal of helping to build “a more fraternal and missionary Church.”
In February, the pope turns attention to children suffering from incurable diseases and their families, asking for prayers that they receive necessary medical care and support, and that they never lose strength or hope.
March’s intention focuses on peace and global security. Pope Leo asks the faithful to pray that nations move toward “effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament,” and that world leaders choose dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence, according to Catholic News Agency.
In April, the Holy Father directs prayer toward priests experiencing crisis in their vocation, asking that they find the accompaniment they need and that Church communities support them with understanding and prayer.
May highlights the issue of food insecurity and waste. The pope invites prayer that everyone—from producers to consumers—commit to avoiding waste and ensuring access to quality food for all.
In June, Pope Leo emphasizes the positive role of sports, praying that athletics may serve as an instrument of peace and dialogue, promoting values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
July is dedicated to the respect and protection of human life. According to Catholic News Agency, the pope asks Catholics to pray for the safeguarding of human life “in all its stages,” recognizing it as a gift from God.
August’s intention looks to evangelization in urban environments. Pope Leo encourages prayer for new and creative ways to proclaim the Gospel in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness.
In September, attention turns to the care of water. The pope calls for prayer for a just and sustainable management of this vital resource so that all people may have equal access to it.
October focuses on mental health ministry within the Church. Pope Leo asks that such ministry be established throughout the Church to help overcome stigma and discrimination faced by those living with mental illness.
November’s intention addresses the proper use of wealth. The Holy Father urges prayer that wealth be placed at the service of the common good and solidarity, rather than selfishness.
The year concludes in December with a focus on single-parent families. Pope Leo invites prayer that families experiencing the absence of a mother or father may find support and accompaniment in the Church, and strength in their faith during difficult times.
Taken together, the 2026 prayer intentions reflect Pope Leo XIV’s call to compassion, peace, human dignity, and active pastoral care. By praying for these intentions month by month, Catholics are encouraged not only to intercede but to embody these concerns in their daily lives and communities throughout the year.
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