Join Pope Leo XIV with his 2026 prayer intentions

As 2026 approaches, Pope Leo invites Catholics to journey through the year with a renewed sense of hope and compassion.

Each month of 2026 carries a prayer intention that speaks to a deep human or spiritual need — ranging from peace and solidarity to the care of the vulnerable and creation. These themes are not chosen lightly; they are the fruit of reflection and discernment, and they serve as an invitation to the faithful to pray and act in unity with the Church.

Taken together, they form a kind of spiritual roadmap for the year ahead — one marked by compassion, hope, and a renewed sense of mission.

Below, we list each monthly intention as released by the Vatican, followed by a brief reflection on the encouragement it offers. Together, they paint a picture of a Church reaching out to the world’s needs with love, faith, and optimism.

Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

The year begins with a focus on Scripture as the daily bread of our spiritual life. Pope Leo reminds us that by praying with the Bible, we feed our souls and foster hope within our communities. Starting 2026 grounded in God’s Word can strengthen our fraternity and renew our missionary zeal in a warm, unifying way.

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

This intention shines a light on some of the most vulnerable among us: children enduring serious illness. The Pope calls us to stand in solidarity with these little ones and their families. It’s a timely reminder of compassion – encouraging us to support advances in care and to bring comfort, strength, and hope through our prayers and presence, so no child or parent feels alone in their suffering.

Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

In a world still scarred by conflict and fear, Pope Leo’s March intention is boldly optimistic. He urges us to pray and work for peace, envisioning a future where nations set aside weapons, especially nuclear arms, in favor of dialogue. This intention is universal and timely: it inspires hope that through persistent prayer and diplomacy, the human family can overcome violence and build a more peaceful world.

Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

Here the pope turns our attention to the shepherds of the Church. April’s intention is filled with empathy for priests who struggle or feel discouraged. It encourages all of us — parishioners and communities — to support our clergy with kindness and prayer. By reaching out with understanding, we help our priests find renewed strength and continue their ministry with joy. This intention fosters a hopeful bond between the faithful and their pastors, reminding us that our priests, too, need care and encouragement.

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

Pope Leo's concern for social justice and creation shines in May. This intention speaks to the basic human need for daily bread and the tragedy of hunger in our world. By praying and acting to prevent food waste and ensure fair distribution, we live out a spirit of charity and stewardship. It’s an uplifting call for unity across all levels of society – from farmers to families – to make sure no one goes hungry. In a hopeful tone, the pope envisions a world where every meal is cherished and shared, reflecting God’s providential care for all His children.

Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

In June, even the playing field becomes a place of grace. The pontiff highlights sports as a powerful means to unite people. This intention is especially timely with global sporting events, reminding us that games and competitions can break down barriers. When athletes and fans uphold respect and solidarity, sports can foster peace and friendship across cultures. Pope Leo invites us to see the goodness in teamwork and fair play – a joyful, universal language that can build community and personal character alike.

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

July’s intention reaffirms a core value of our faith: the sacredness of life. By praying for respect for life in all its stages, the Church emphasizes that from conception to natural death, every life is precious. Pope Leo's words fill us with hope for a culture that treasures each person as a gift of God. This positive vision encourages us to treat everyone – the unborn, the elderly, the vulnerable – with reverence and care. It’s a gentle but clear call to foster a “culture of life” in our families and society, rooted in love and gratitude.

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

Modern city life can be fast-paced and isolating. In August, Pope Leo encourages creativity in spreading the Gospel amidst skyscrapers and busy streets. This intention is full of optimism for urban ministry: even where people feel alone in the crowd, the Holy Spirit can open new paths of connection. We are invited to build community in innovative ways – perhaps through small prayer groups, acts of service, or public witness of kindness. It’s a hopeful reminder that the message of Jesus can light up even the busiest metropolis with love and meaning.

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

September turns our gaze to one of Earth’s most precious gifts: water. With climate change and water scarcity in many regions, this intention is especially urgent and universal. Pope Leo asks us to value and protect water as a common good – ensuring it’s managed wisely and shared fairly. This reflects the Church’s care for creation and the poor, as access to clean water can be a matter of life and dignity. The intention encourages us to act responsibly (from conserving water at home to supporting clean water initiatives) and to hope for a future where no one thirsts unjustly.

Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

In a warmly compassionate move, Pope Leo in October highlights those who struggle with mental health. He envisions the Church worldwide becoming a true “field hospital” for the mentally ill – a place of welcome, understanding, and healing. This intention encourages us to break the stigma around mental illness and to see those who suffer not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters deserving support. It’s a hopeful sign of the times that the Church is openly addressing mental health. By praying for this ministry, we are also called to be listeners and friends to those who are anxious, depressed, or troubled, reflecting Christ’s tender love in practical ways.

Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service [of] the common good and solidarity of those who have less.

As the year nears its end, November’s intention challenges us to reflect on how we handle material blessings. Pope Leo asks that we use wealth – whether much or little – not for selfish ends but for the common good. The wording points to sharing with those who have less, which is a timeless Gospel value. In a world often seduced by consumerism, this prayer is a hopeful reminder that generosity can transform society. When we put our resources in service of others, especially the poor, we build solidarity and reflect God’s justice and mercy. It’s an invitation to a freer heart, finding true riches in giving and caring for our neighbor.

Let us pray for families experiencing the absence of a mother or father, that they may find support and accompaniment in the Church, and help and strength in the Faith during difficult times.

In the final month of 2026, Pope Leo turns to the heart of the family. Many families today are carried by one parent, whether due to loss, separation, or other hardships. This intention overflows with empathy and positivity for single-parent families. It calls the Church community to be a supportive extended family for those raising children alone. By our prayers and practical help, we can ensure these mothers or fathers and their children feel embraced, not isolated. The pope’s words also remind those in this situation that the Church is with them, and that their faith can be a source of strength and hope in trying times. It’s a beautiful way to close the year: with the image of a caring Church helping all families to experience love and encouragement.

Pope Leo’s prayer intentions for 2026 form a radiant roadmap of faith, hope, and love. Each month’s intention is timely and positive, inviting us to pray for real needs in the world while trusting in God’s grace to bring about change. By incorporating these intentions into our monthly spiritual practice, we join a worldwide network of hearts praying in unity.

Consider marking the start of each month with a moment of prayer for the Pope’s intention, or discussing these themes in your family and parish – it’s a simple yet powerful way to stay connected to the Church’s mission throughout the year.