In a heartfelt appeal, Pope Leo XIV has declared Friday, August 22, a global day of prayer and fasting for peace, coinciding with the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Pope made this announcement during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, urging the faithful to participate through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. This spiritual response aims to awaken both consciences and actions, as violence continues to escalate in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and other regions facing armed conflict.
The Pope’s call is a response to the worsening conditions in conflict zones, where growing numbers of displaced people and civilians are caught in the crossfire. “Too many innocent lives are being lost, and too many families are bearing the weight of wars that seem endless,” Pope Leo said. “We cannot remain indifferent.” He emphasized that these spiritual disciplines are not symbolic gestures alone but catalysts for change. By aligning the day with the Marian feast, Pope Leo highlighted the Church’s tradition of entrusting global concerns to Mary’s care.
Leaders from conflict zones have quickly voiced their support for the Pope’s initiative. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said, “Prayer is not a magic formula, but it opens hearts where distrust and hatred have grown. It is a step toward rebuilding trust.” In Ukraine, Bishop Vitalij Skomarovskyj welcomed the initiative as a sign of solidarity, saying, “This call reminds us we are not forgotten. Prayer and fasting have great power; they can change the course of history.
Alongside his call for prayer and fasting, Pope Leo reflected on the Church’s teaching that peace cannot thrive on justice alone; it also requires forgiveness. Drawing from St. John Paul II’s legacy, he said, “True peace cannot exist without justice, but neither can it survive without forgiveness. Forgiveness is not surrender; it is the strength that prevents new wounds.” This message resonates amid current debates over war reparations, ceasefire negotiations, and transitional justice processes in conflict regions.
The Pope’s appeal is a message of hope and resilience in the face of suffering. As the global community comes together to pray and fast for peace, Pope Leo’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and dialogue in achieving lasting peace. “Let us ask Mary, Queen of Peace, to help nations rediscover the path of peace. May she intercede for people torn apart by hatred and violence,” he added.
