The Holy Father’s monthly prayer intentions are entrusted to the Worldwide Prayer Network and serve as a global call to transform prayers into concrete actions. Originally established in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, this network, initiated by the Jesuits, underwent changes under Pope Francis. In 2016, he renamed it he Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, elevating it to pontifical work status in 2018. Later, in 2020, the network attained the status of a Vatican Foundation with both canonical and juridical recognition.
Each month, Pope Francis, through his Worldwide Prayer Network, shares prayer intentions that express his profound concerns for humanity and the mission of the Church. These monthly prayer focuses are a compass for a mission of compassion for the world, encouraging the faithful to combine prayer and action in building a more humane and caring world.
These prayer intentions result from an extensive discernment process within the Church, incorporating proposals from various dicasteries, congregations, and services of the Holy See across different countries. After several months of discernment, the Pope, having received the proposals, takes dedicated time to pray and discern the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church. Subsequently, he entrusts these twelve prayer intentions to all the faithful, providing them with guidelines for life and mission.
JANUARY
FOR THE GIFT OF DIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH
Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
FEBRUARY
FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL
Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
MARCH
FOR THE MARTYRS OF OUR DAY, WITNESSES TO CHRIST
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
APRIL
FOR THE ROLE OF WOMEN
Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
MAY
FOR THE FORMATION OF MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS
Let us pray that men and women religious, and seminarians, grow in their own vocational journey through human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, that leads them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel.
JUNE
FOR THOSE FLEEING THEIR OWN COUNTRIES
Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
JULY
FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK
Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope.
AUGUST
FOR POLITICAL LEADERS
Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poor.
SEPTEMBER
FOR THE CRY OF THE EARTH
Let us pray that each of us listen with our hearts to the cry of the Earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.
OCTOBER
FOR A SHARED MISSION
Let us pray that the Church continue to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of coresponsibility, promoting the participation, communion and mission shared by priests, religious and laity.
NOVEMBER
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A CHILD
Let us pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation.
DECEMBER
FOR PILGRIMS OF HOPE
Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.