Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to dedicate this Friday to fasting and prayer for peace in regions affected by war, including the Middle East and Ukraine.
The appeal came at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday, marking his first public appearance since returning to the Vatican from summer rest at Castel Gandolfo.
Leo noted that the day coincides with a Marian feast and urged the faithful to “pray that the Lord grants peace and justice, and dries the tears of all those suffering from armed conflicts.”
The pope has repeatedly appealed for ceasefires in both Gaza and Ukraine, stressing the importance of dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
The pontiff resumes a busy schedule following his break, which includes preparations for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Holy Year.
Among upcoming highlights is the September 7 canonization of Carlo Acutis, who will become the Church’s first saint of the millennial generation.
In a lighter moment at Wednesday’s audience, Pope Leo was presented with a Ping-Pong table bearing his papal coat of arms.
Known for his love of sports, particularly tennis, the pope tried bouncing a ball on a paddle but laughed when it rolled into the net.
The Vatican said that through the day of fasting, Leo hopes Catholics and all people of goodwill will join in offering prayers for communities most deeply scarred by war.