By Devin Watkins
With the new year, Pope Leo XIV has thrown his support behind a renewed initiative known as “Pray with the Pope,” which brings his monthly prayer intentions to the Church throughout the world.
A press release noted that the new initiative continues Pope Francis’ desire to share papal prayer intentions by video and audio.
“This initiative aims to increase the visibility of the Pope’s prayer intentions, using a language suitable for prayer, in new formats, so as to better reach the faithful throughout the world, especially in today’s world of digital communication,” noted the statement.
God’s Word is ‘hope in darkness’
In his first video under the new format, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to pray frequently with the Word of God.
Only the Gospel, he said, can give peace and fullness to the human heart, which he noted is restless and hungers for meaning.
“Teach us to listen to you each day in the Scriptures,” he said, “to let ourselves be challenged by your voice, and to discern our decisions from the closeness to your Heart.”
God’s Word in Sacred Scripture, said the Pope, provides “nourishment in weariness, hope in darkness, and strength in our communities.”
He prayed that all Christians may draw strength and guidance from the Word of God and that the Church may always proclaim the Gospel with joy.
“May our faith grow in the encounter with you through your Word,” concluded the Pope, “moving us from the heart to reach out to others, to serve the most vulnerable, to forgive, build bridges, and proclaim life.”
Renewed invitation to Pray with the Pope
Formerly known as The Pope Video, the new “Pray with the Pope” initiative seeks to unite the Church behind the Holy Father’s daily prayer.
According to Fr Cristóbal Fones, SJ, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the initiative’s new format will make it easier for Catholics to support the Pope with greater depth.
“Pray with the Pope aims to be an open door so that any person, wherever they may be, can join in praying for the intention the Holy Father proposes each month, praying with him in a synodal perspective,” he said. “It is a simple and universal invitation to which each of us can respond.”
The Pope’s January intention, which launches the project, urges Christians to rediscover the “spiritual power of Sacred Scripture as a privileged place to encounter Christ,” noted the press release.
Filming for the video took place in the Church of St Pellegrino, one of the oldest churches inside Vatican City, whose origins date back to 795.
Tradition holds that during Pope Leo III’s pontificate, the Emperor Charlemagne gave the relics of St Pellegrino, who was a priest of Rome and the first Bishop of Auxerre, to be placed in the church.
Located along the ancient Via Francigena, the Church of St Pellegrino has historically offered welcome and a place of prayer for pilgrims headed to the tomb of St Peter. – Vatican News
