Papal request: Join in Aug. 22 day of fasting and prayer for peace

“While our earth continues to be wounded by wars in the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in many other regions of the world, we implore the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to dry the tears of those who suffer as a result of the ongoing armed conflicts.”

Pope Leo XIV has urged people to pray and fast on Friday, Aug. 22, for peace and justice, especially in Ukraine and the Holy Land.

The day marks the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which includes her role as Queen of Peace.

“Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path to peace,” the Holy Father prayed as part of his invitation at the end of his Wednesday general audience at the Vatican.

The day before, Pope Leo told reporters that while recent diplomatic moves aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are reasons for hope, more needs to be done.

“We still have to work hard, pray hard and seek the way forward,” Pope Leo said.

Archbishop Michael McGovern on Thursday encouraged faithful in northeast Nebraska to join the Holy Father in prayer and fasting on Friday.

“Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has invited us to unite in prayer and fasting for peace tomorrow as we commemorate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Archbishop McGovern said. “I encourage you to join me in answering his invitation and ask the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, for an end to war and conflict in all places.”

 

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