In the Vatican Gardens, Pope Leo XIV prays for peace at the Lourdes Grotto

“Everyone can and must do their part”

Prayer becomes mission and prophecy: “There must no longer be the weeping of innocents in our cities; no one should have to flee their home because of the threat of bombs; the longing for power and the violence of words must give way to a thirst for justice and truth. But everyone can and must do their part, starting with small yet important actions, refraining from all verbal or physical violence, in everyday life and also on social media.”

From the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, in spiritual communion with thousands of faithful and pilgrims gathered at Shrines around the world, Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace. He did so on Saturday evening, 30 May, 2026 by reciting the Rosary at the close of the Marian month. The faithful joined him in prayer via live television broadcasts from major Shrines, as organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World.

Among them were the Shrine of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Philippines, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal, the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, the Shrine of Saint Charbel in Annaya, Byblos, Lebanon, the Pontifical Shrine of the Holy House in Loreto, the Shrine of Jasna Góra in Częstochowa, Poland, the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Among those present was Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State.