As the world grapples with the shadows of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and beyond, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt call to action. On August 20, 2025, the American-born pontiff, through his official X account (@Pontifex), invited the faithful to unite in a day of fasting and prayer on August 22, 2025. In his post (https://x.com/Pontifex/status/1958152037214093527), he wrote:
"I invite all the faithful to take part in a day of fasting and prayer on August 22, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts. May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace."
This call comes at a critical time, aligning with the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, a day when Catholics honor the Blessed Virgin as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Pope Leo’s message is a powerful reminder of the role spiritual practices can play in fostering peace, urging not just Catholics but people of all faiths to join in this collective plea for mercy and reconciliation.
The Urgency of Peace
The pontiff’s words resonate deeply as wars continue to scar our world. From the ravaged landscapes of Ukraine to the ancient battlegrounds of the Holy Land, the cries of the suffering echo globally. Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope, has consistently advocated for peace since his election in May 2025, making this day of fasting and prayer a continuation of his mission. By invoking Mary, Queen of Peace, he taps into a rich tradition of Marian devotion, encouraging believers to seek her intercession alongside their direct prayers to God.
How to Participate
Participating in this day of fasting and prayer doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s about intentional, heartfelt action. Here are some practical ways to join Pope Leo’s initiative:
1. Fasting with Intention: Fasting can be tailored to your health and circumstances. For some, this might mean abstaining from food for a set period (e.g., from midnight to 6 PM, as is common in Catholic tradition). Others might choose to fast from a particular meal or give up a favorite indulgence (like coffee or social media) as an act of sacrifice. The key is to offer this sacrifice as a prayer for peace, uniting with those who suffer from hunger and violence.
2. Personal Prayer: Set aside time to pray quietly, asking God to bring peace to conflict zones. You might use traditional prayers like the Our Father or create your own, focusing on specific regions like Ukraine or the Holy Land. Reflect on Pope Leo’s words about wiping away tears, imagining the faces of those affected by war.
3. Praying the Rosary for Peace: One powerful way to respond to this call is by praying the Rosary, a devotion deeply tied to peace through Marian apparitions. Notably, the Blessed Virgin Mary, appearing as Our Lady of the Universe in the Bronx in 1945 to Joseph Vitolo Jr., emphasized the Rosary’s role in bringing peace. According to the website www.ourladyoftheuniverse.com, Mary urged the faithful to pray the Rosary daily to end war and foster global harmony. On August 22, consider meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, which reflect Christ’s suffering, and offer each decade for those in conflict zones. A well-prayed Rosary, as noted by Fr. Donald Calloway, takes about 20 minutes and can be a profound act of spiritual mercy.
4. Community Action: Gather with family, friends, or a local church group to pray and fast together. Share Pope Leo’s message and encourage others to participate, creating a ripple effect of peace. You could host a virtual prayer session via Zoom or attend a Mass where this intention is lifted up.
5. Acts of Charity: Complement your fasting and prayer with tangible acts of mercy. Donate to organizations aiding war refugees, write letters of support to affected communities, or volunteer locally to embody the “disarmed and disarming peace” Pope Leo has championed.
The Role of Mary, Queen of Peace
Pope Leo’s invocation of Mary as the Queen of Peace draws on centuries of Catholic tradition, where she is seen as a motherly intercessor. The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917 similarly called for the Rosary’s daily recitation to end World War I and secure world peace, a message echoed by Our Lady of the Universe in 1945. By praying the Rosary on August 22, we align with this legacy, trusting that Mary’s maternal care can guide humanity toward reconciliation.
A Global Movement
This day of fasting and prayer is not just for Catholics—it’s an open invitation to all who yearn for peace. As Pope Leo emphasized during his general audience on August 20, 2025, the goal is a “disarmed and disarming peace” that rejects the allure of weapons and fosters unity. Whether through silent prayer, a shared Rosary, or a simple act of kindness, each effort contributes to this global movement.
As we approach August 22, let us heed Pope Leo XIV’s call with open hearts. In the spirit of Our Lady of the Universe, let the Rosary be our weapon of peace, lifting our voices to heaven for a world healed by justice and love. Will you join this sacred endeavor? The time is now.
I invite all the faithful to take part in a day of fasting and prayer on August 22, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts. May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) August 20, 2025
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