The universal Church welcomes Pope Leo XIV 's call to observe a day of fasting and prayer for peace this Friday, August 22 , coinciding with the liturgical memorial of Mary, Queen of Heaven. The proposal invites everyone to dedicate the entire day to supplication and reflection for an end to conflicts and for the consolation of those suffering their consequences.
The announcement came at the end of the General Audience on August 20 , in the Paul VI Hall , where the Pontiff encouraged the people to invoke the Virgin Mary, venerated as Queen of Peace , and stressed that without a determined attitude of forgiveness it is not possible to build true coexistence.
A call for August 22
The Pope proposed observing Friday as a day of prayer and fasting to ask the Lord for the gift of peace and justice and to alleviate the suffering of those enduring war. The date is not coincidental: it is the feast day of Mary, Queen of Heaven , inviting us to look to Mary as our guide and protector in times of uncertainty.
The appeal is addressed to all the faithful, parishes, and communities throughout the world. The Holy Father asked that each ecclesial reality organize the initiatives it deems appropriate , according to its context. The tone of the message was clear and personal: pray, fast, and support those wounded by violence, without succumbing to resignation.
Scope and participation of the dioceses
In Spain, the Archdiocese of Mérida-Badajoz has asked its faithful to actively participate. Its archbishop, José RodrÃguez Carballo , has encouraged each community to propose specific moments of prayer and acts of fasting that will help them pray for peace with one voice.
The Diocese of Córdoba also confirmed its participation in the Pope's initiative for August 22 , the feast of Mary Queen of Heaven. The Córdoba curia reiterated the core of the papal message: to work for reconciliation and sincerely pray for an end to wars, without forgetting those who suffer most.
Conflicts in the spotlight
Leo XIV has called for special attention to be paid to Ukraine and the Middle East , with particular focus on the Holy Land and Gaza . In his recent speeches, he emphasized the need to promote a ceasefire , alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and facilitate the release of hostages , urging the international community to persevere in its efforts for peace.
The Pope acknowledged to journalists, during his recent trips to Villa Barberini and after his return to the Vatican, that the Holy See cannot stop wars on its own, but can accompany, sustain dialogue and keep hope alive through constant and patient diplomacy.
Forgiveness as a path to peace
This week's catechesis focused on the art of forgiveness . Leo XIV reminded us that forgiving does not mean denying evil, but rather preventing it from multiplying. Rereading Jesus' gesture of offering bread even to the one who would betray him, he pointed out that forgiveness liberates the one who grants it and opens a path so that violence does not define the future.
The Pope invited the faithful to face the night of trial with trust , avoiding closing their hearts. Even when it is difficult, there is a path other than resentment: offering a gesture of peace, maintaining a fruitful silence, and moving forward without giving up on love.
How to join the event
Each community can contribute whatever they have available: times of prayer in parishes, prayerful reading of the Gospel, periods of silence, adoration, or a fast adapted to each person's health and circumstances. The Pope asked that Mary be invoked as Queen of Peace , asking her to guide people along paths of reconciliation.
No single schedule has been set: it is a full day of intercession. Dioceses and communities encourage participation in local initiatives, and those unable to travel are invited to join from home with a simple gesture of prayer and reflection.
Liturgical context and spiritual meaning
The choice of the memorial of Mary, Queen of Heaven, highlights the role of the intercession of the Mother of Believers. The Pope prayed that, through Mary, all peoples may find the path to peace and that the tears of those who experience war firsthand may be dried.
In the days leading up to the Angelus , Leo XIV reiterated in several addresses the need to prioritize the common good in any negotiations. With a serene tone, he urged people not to resign themselves to the logic of arms and to continue opening doors to understanding, because without lasting reconciliation, a stable peace is impossible.
This Friday, August 22, the pilgrim Church turns its gaze to Mary, Queen of Peace , and responds to Leo XIV 's invitation to pray and fast for an end to wars. Dioceses such as Mérida-Badajoz and Córdoba have already confirmed their participation, underscoring the core of the papal message: to ask for peace and justice, to accompany the victims, and to walk, without shortcuts, the difficult but fruitful path of forgiveness.