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The Pope's Prayer Intentions

Every month Pope Leo entrusts his Worldwide Prayer Network with prayer intentions that express his great concerns for humanity and for the mission of the Church. His monthly prayer intention is a global summons to transform our prayers into “concrete actions”; it is a compass for the mission.

It summarizes his action plan to mobilize us each month, through prayer and action, for a proposition that invites us to build a more humane and caring world.

These prayer intentions are the product of a long process of discernment within the Church, in various countries around the world, encompassing proposals from various dicasteries, congregations and services of the Holy See. When the process concludes, after several months, the Pope, having received the proposals, takes time to pray and discern with regard to the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church. He then entrusts his twelve prayer intentions to all the faithful. They are guidelines for our life and mission.

"Living Prayer 2026" is a publication from 'Messenger Publications', a work of the Irish Jesuits, with a reflection for each month's intention. The booklet is available for £2.00 from St Paul's Media.

Intentions for 2026

THE HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS ENTRUSTED TO HIS WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK FOR THE YEAR 2026

JANUARY

For prayer with the Word of God.

Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

FEBRUARY

For children with incurable diseases.

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

MARCH

For disarmament and peace.

Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

APRIL

For priests in crisis.

Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

MAY

That everyone might have food.

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

JUNE

For the values of sports.

Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

JULY

For respect for human life.

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

AUGUST

For evangelization in the city.

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

SEPTEMBER

For the care of water.

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

OCTOBER

For mental health ministry.

Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

NOVEMBER

For the proper use of wealth.

Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less.

DECEMBER

For single-parent families.

Let us pray for families experiencing the absence of a mother or father, that they may find support and accompaniment in the Church, and help and strength in the Faith during difficult times.