Pope Francis

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for September 2024

For the Cry of the Earth

We might have learned not to place much faith in politicians, yet it is politicians best placed to look after the most vulnerable in parts of the world most affected by climate change. We can help with action and with prayer. Consider contacting our UK MPs. With MPs taking their seats at Westminster, let's call on them to play their part in tackling the climate, debt and hunger crises. Fill in the template and submit a call for action at www.action.cafod.org.uk/page/152989/action/1.

Pope Francis invites us to join in his prayer intention for September, “…that each of us hears with the heart the cry of the Earth and victims of natural disasters and climate change, personally committing to care for the world we inhabit.”

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for August 2024

For Political Leaders

Pope Francis acknowledges that “politics does not have a very good reputation.” Nonetheless, he says, politics properly so-called – as opposed to “politicking” – “listens to what is really going on… is at the service of the poor… is concerned for the unemployed.” “If we look at it in this way,” the Pope says, “politics is much more noble than it appears.”  “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good,” says Pope Francis, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI.

Political leaders are who we make of them. Instead of fuelling contempt for them with our words and our thoughts, let’s help them to be the men and women we would like them to be. Pope Francis invites us to join in his prayer intention for August that

“…that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.”

Pope Francis Prayer intention for July 2024

For pastoral care of the sick

Pope Francis is inviting the Church to pray for the pastoral care of the sick during the month of July 2024, and in particular for those thinking about requesting the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The problem comes when people mistakenly feel that this sacrament is only for the dying. If someone thinks that a priest offering the sacrament means that they are about to die, says the Pope, they have embraced a hopeless vision.

“Let us remember that the Anointing of the Sick is one of the ‘sacraments of healing,’ of ‘restoration,’ that heals the spirit,” says the Pope. We are invited to join in Pope Francis’s prayer intention. “We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.”

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for June 2024

For migrants fleeing from war or hunger

In the month of June, Pope Francis asks us to pray for people fleeing their own countries.

The feeling of uprootedness or not knowing where they belong often accompanies the trauma experienced by people who are forced to flee their homeland because of war or poverty. What is more, in some destination countries, migrants are viewed as threats, with fear. Then the spectre of walls appears – walls on the earth separating families, and walls in hearts. Christians cannot share this vision. Whoever welcomes a migrant welcomes Christ.

We must promote a social and political culture that protects the rights and dignity of migrants, a culture that promotes the possibility that they can achieve their full potential, and integrates them. A migrant needs to be accompanied, promoted, and integrated.

This month Pope Francis asks us to join in his monthly prayer intention, “… that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities.”

World Communications Day 12th May 2024 

Artificial Intelligence

(From Pope Francis' World Communications Day Message)

“The development of systems of artificial intelligence is radically affecting the world of information and communication, and through it, certain foundations of life in society. These changes affect everyone, not merely professionals in those fields. The rapid spread of astonishing innovations, whose workings and potential are beyond the ability of most of us to understand and appreciate, has proven both exciting and disorienting. This leads inevitably to deeper questions about the nature of human beings, our distinctiveness and the future of the species homo sapiens in the age of artificial intelligence. How can we remain fully human and guide this cultural transformation to serve a good purpose?”

Read Pope Francis’ message in its entirety at www.https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wcd24-papal-message/  It’s a thought provoking read.

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for May 2024

For the formation of religious and seminarians

One of the most disconcerting aspects of a family member or friend leaving the well-worn track of education, career and marriage to follow a religious vocation can be the loss of familiar points of reference. Family and friends worry that they can’t offer advice or that important life decisions are being made according to criteria that they don’t understand.

The best policy in these situations is to try to listen carefully and without criticism. There is no need for family or friends to express support for a possible vocation until they are ready to do this sincerely. It’s fine for family and friends to be honest about their worries as long as they make it clear that their love, acceptance and support will always be there.

This month we are invited to join in Pope Francis’ prayer intention that

“…that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.”

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for April 2024

For the Role of Women

Regardless of where you live in the world, gender equality is a fundamental human right. Advancing gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society, from reducing poverty to promoting the health, education, protection and the well-being of both girls and boys. There has been progress over the last decades, but there is still lots to do in order to achieve the UN gender equality goal by 2030.

Pope Francis invites us to join his prayer intention

“…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.”

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention  March 2024

Pope Francis tells us that we are “to be truly committed to discipleship and prepared to take risks for the cause of the Gospel.” By risks we understand that we should be unafraid of what others might think of us. In certain countries it might even mean risking persecution. Pope Francis promotes that we should have a ‘zeal’ for promoting the gospel. But how should we do that? How should we promote the gospel with enthusiasm? Catechists are sometimes asked to conduct a simple exercise.  We are asked to look back through our lives and identify a significant crossroad and reflect about where we think God was for us during that time. How did God use this change to make us who we are today? Are we willing to share that story and invite others to share their stories too?

This month we are invited to join Pope Francis' prayer intention, “…for those around the world who risk their lives for the Gospel, to inspire the Church with their courage and missionary zeal.”"