Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to observe Friday, August 22, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace in regions affected by war, urging the faithful to seek what he described as a “disarmed and disarming peace.”
The Pontiff made the appeal on Wednesday during his weekly General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, where he reflected on the plight of people suffering in conflict zones such as the Holy Land, Ukraine, and other parts of the world.
“Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is remembered as the Queen of Peace,” the Pope said, linking the initiative to the liturgical commemoration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on August 22.
Pope Leo urged believers to dedicate the day to those enduring the pain of war.
“We implore the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts,” he said.
In his address, the Pope also greeted Polish pilgrims present at the audience, including those heading to the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa at Jasna Góra.
He asked them to include in their prayers “the gift of peace, a peace that is disarmed and disarming for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East.”
The Vatican said the observance is intended to unite the global Catholic community in solidarity with victims of violence and to encourage efforts toward reconciliation and justice.
