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Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics worldwide to pray the rosary for peace on May 30, uniting major Marian shrines in a global act of faith.
Newsroom (28/05/2026 Gaudium Press) Pope Leo XIV has issued a global call for Catholics to unite in prayer, inviting the faithful across continents to join him in reciting the rosary for peace on May 30. The central moment of prayer will take place at the Grotto of Lourdes within the Vatican Gardens, underscoring a deep Marian devotion while reinforcing the Church’s persistent appeal for peace amid ongoing global conflicts.
Organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization, the initiative connects some of the most prominent Marian shrines worldwide in a coordinated act of spiritual solidarity. The event is set to be broadcast live, enabling participation across time zones and continents, and highlighting the Vatican’s emphasis on global unity through prayer.
Global Shrines Join in Unity
Among the participating shrines are significant pilgrimage destinations spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. These include the Shrine of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine; the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey in Antipolo, Philippines; and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal. The Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France will also join, alongside the Shrine of Saint Charbel in Annaya, Lebanon, and the Pontifical Shrine of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy.
Each location holds historical and spiritual significance within Catholic tradition, reinforcing the global dimension of Marian devotion. Their participation serves as a symbolic network of prayer, linking communities affected by conflict, pilgrimage centers, and the broader Catholic faithful.
Vatican-Led Prayer with Global Broadcast
The rosary will be recited by Pope Leo XIV at 7 p.m. local time in Rome (2 p.m. Brasília time), with a simultaneous broadcast ensuring accessibility worldwide. In the United States, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will join the Pope in leading the prayer.
According to a May 22 press release, the broadcast will air at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. The Washington basilica, identified as the principal Marian shrine in the United States, emphasized its role in fostering unity through prayer. “All are invited to participate in this special moment of unity and prayer for peace throughout the world,” the shrine said in a statement.
Digital platforms will play a key role in the initiative. The Sanctuary of Fatima has confirmed that it will livestream the rosary from the Chapel of the Apparitions via its YouTube and Facebook channels. Vatican News and official Holy See social media platforms will also broadcast the event, integrating images from participating shrines to create a shared global experience.
Adjustments Reflect Global Coordination
To align with the Vatican-led prayer, the Sanctuary of Fatima has adjusted its usual schedule. On May 30, the rosary there will begin at 6 p.m., rather than the customary 6:30 p.m. This adjustment highlights the importance of synchronization across the global Church, allowing pilgrims and viewers to participate in a unified moment of devotion.
Such coordination underscores the Church’s growing use of digital and logistical tools to foster international engagement, especially in moments of collective prayer tied to major global concerns.
A Pontificate Marked by Calls for Peace
Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace in regions marked by conflict, including the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. His appeal for the May 30 rosary reflects a broader theological and pastoral emphasis on spiritual approaches to global crises.
During his Pentecost homily, the Pope urged Catholics to invoke the Holy Spirit to “save us from the evil of war,” stressing that peace is not achieved through political or military dominance but through what he described as “the omnipotence of love.” The rosary initiative reflects this perspective, presenting prayer as both a communal and transformative act.
A Symbolic Act of Hope
The decision to hold the prayer at the Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens carries symbolic weight. Lourdes, associated with healing and Marian apparitions, represents hope, renewal, and divine intervention—themes closely tied to the Church’s vision of peace.
As images from shrines across the globe are broadcast together, the event aims to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering a visible and spiritual sign of unity. In a time marked by uncertainty and conflict, the initiative seeks to reaffirm the role of faith as a source of resilience and solidarity.
For millions of Catholics, May 30 will not only mark a moment of prayer but also a collective expression of hope that peace, grounded in faith and shared humanity, remains possible.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACi Digital
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