Pope to lead worldwide Rosary for peace in Vatican Gardens

Pope praying at Vatican Gardens Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV has already appealed for peace in the world many times throughout his pontificate. His appeals have always been accompanied with consistent calls for prayer.

On Saturday, 30 May at 7pm Pope Leo will preside over the recitation of the Holy Rosary at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. All people and all Shrines around the world are invited to join him in praying the Rosary.

Some of the major Shrines which have confirmed their participation include: the Shrines in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine; Antipolo, Philippines; Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal; Our Lady Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina; the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France the Shrine of Saint Charbel Annaya, Byblos, Lebanon; and the Pontifical Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto in Italy.

Pope Leo will pray the Joyful Mysteries, with each decade dedicated specifically for those affected by war and violence and entrusting them to the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.

The first mystery prays for the victims of war, especially the most vulnerable, while the second is for those who bring words of hope and the comfort of faith to populations affected by war. The third recalls the medical and paramedical personnel and volunteers who bring humanitarian aid every day.

The fourth mystery prays for those who suffer the violence of war, for prisoners and for all who endure humiliations that violate human dignity. The fifth and final Joyful Mystery is dedicated to praying for an end to war and the establishment of lasting peace in the world.

Pilgrims and faithful in Rome will also be able to take part in the prayer from St Peter's Square through the large screens installed in there.

The initiative is promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization - Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World.

The Grotta di Lourdes (also Grotta della Madonna di Lourdes) was built during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII in 1902-1905 and is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France.