During the Wednesday general audience in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope again addressed many areas afflicted by armed conflicts today. In connection with the upcoming liturgical feast of Our Lady, Queen, he urged that this day become an opportunity for the faithful to pray and fast for peace. “Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth, and the Church venerates her as the Queen of Peace,” the Pope said.
He reminded that the world continues to suffer from wars – in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and other regions – and therefore called on everyone to participate in the day of prayer and fasting. It is to be an offering for those who bear the consequences of armed conflicts and a plea to God, “to grant us peace and justice and wipe away the tears of those who suffer.”
“May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede so that nations may find the path to peace,” the Pope added.
At the conclusion of the audience, he also addressed the pilgrims from Poland who came to the meeting during their pilgrimage to Our Lady of Częstochowa at Jasna Góra. “I ask you to include in your prayers a request for the gift of peace for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East,” the Holy Father concluded.
(taken from the website cirkev.cz)
The Archbishop of Prague, Mons. Jan Graubner, joins Pope Leo XIV's call for fasting and prayer for peace and justice on August 22, 2025, and wishes that the faithful of the Archdiocese of Prague become aware of this call.
The form of prayer and fasting is not prescribed, so it is up to each of us to consider how we will join this call.
Řehoř J. Žáček.
