Pope Leo XIV has called on all Catholics around the world to unite in fasting and prayer for peace on August 22, coinciding with the liturgical feast of the Queenship of Mary.
The Catholic pontiff made the announcement at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
The Holy Father highlighted the ongoing suffering of the world due to the wars in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and other parts of the world.
He said that as our world continues to be wounded by wars, all believers are invited to live August 22 as a day of prayer and fasting.
He said that we should ask the Lord for peace and justice, and for healing the tears of those who suffer.
He called for the unity of the church in praying for peace, commemorating the role of Mary as Queen of Peace, and deepening spiritual solidarity with victims of violence.
The call is part of the Catholic Church’s long tradition of responding to global crises through spiritual action.
Even Pope Francis, his predecessor, often called for such days during the wars in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
