Prayers of the Faithful for Pope Leo XIV: 5 Themes

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected on May 8, 2025, the first pope from the United States. The Church prays for the Pope at every Mass, both in the Eucharistic Prayer and often in the Prayer of the Faithful, where “the needs of the Church” come first (GIRM 70).

These intentions are grouped in five themes. Choose one intention from the theme that best fits your parish and use it as the first intention, for the Church, in your Prayer of the Faithful. The rest of your intentions can follow the usual order: the world, those in need and the local community.

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How to use these prayers

Choose one intention from a theme below and place it first, for the needs of the Church.
Use it any Sunday, especially on the anniversary of the Pope’s election (May 8), the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29) and the Chair of St. Peter (February 22).
Keep the response “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 1: For the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Lector: For our newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that the Holy Spirit may fill him with wisdom and discernment as he begins his pontificate and shepherds the universal Church. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that the same Holy Spirit who guided him during his years as a missionary in South America may continue to inspire his leadership and vision for the Church throughout the world. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That the Holy Spirit may grant Pope Leo XIV clarity of purpose and steadfastness of heart as he navigates the challenges facing the Church in our modern world. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Pope Leo XIV, that his Augustinian spiritual heritage may enrich his papal ministry and bring fresh insights to his teaching. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That the Holy Spirit may inflame in all Catholics a spirit of faithful obedience to our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as he continues the reforms begun by his predecessor. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the gift of courage for Pope Leo XIV, that the Holy Spirit may embolden him to proclaim the Gospel with conviction and to be a prophetic voice in our troubled times. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2: For the Holy Father’s Strength and Well-being

Lector: For the physical health and stamina of Pope Leo XIV, that the Lord may strengthen him for the demanding responsibilities of his global ministry. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may be sustained by a deep prayer life, finding renewal in his relationship with Christ amid the pressures of his papal office. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For protection for Pope Leo XIV, that the Lord may guard him from all harm and keep him safe in his apostolic journeys throughout the world. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may be blessed with wise and faithful advisors who will support him with their counsel and loyalty. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For moments of rest and reflection for Pope Leo XIV, that he may find balance amid his many duties and preserve his spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian spirituality may continue to nourish his soul and inform his understanding of his role as the Servant of the Servants of God. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the intentions that Pope Leo XIV carries in his heart, that God may hear and answer his prayers for the Church and for the world. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 3: For Global Mission and Outreach

Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that his missionary experience may inspire the Church to renewed evangelization efforts, especially in regions where the faith is growing or faces persecution. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may be a powerful advocate for the poor and marginalized throughout the world, continuing the Church’s preferential option for those in greatest need. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For wisdom for Pope Leo XIV as he addresses complex global challenges, that he may offer moral leadership on issues such as poverty, climate change, and armed conflicts. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV’s diplomatic efforts may promote peace and justice in regions of conflict, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine, following the example of his predecessor. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that his leadership may strengthen the Church in the Global South where Catholic communities are growing, while revitalizing the faith in regions where religious practice is declining. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may foster meaningful ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, promoting respect and cooperation among believers of all traditions. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 4: For Church Unity

Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that as the first American pope, he may use his unique perspective to bridge divisions within the Church and promote communion amid our beautiful diversity. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may be a healing presence for the Church, bringing together all faithful voices in a spirit of mutual respect and shared mission. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the unity of Catholics worldwide under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, that we may set aside our differences to work together for the proclamation of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV’s experience in both North and South America may help him to understand the diverse needs of the global Church and lead with a loving heart for different cultural expressions of our faith. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For a spirit of collegiality between our Holy Father and the College of Cardinals, that their cooperation may strengthen the bonds of unity throughout the universal Church. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That the Holy Father’s experience within the Augustinian order may inspire his approach to fostering communion among the many charisms and vocations within our Church. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For reconciliation within our Church, that the Lord may work through Pope Leo XIV as an instrument of peace to heal wounds and restore trust among all the faithful. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 5: For Healing and Renewal

Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with courage and transparency in addressing the wounds of sexual abuse, bringing healing to victims and accountability to the institution. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may guide the Church toward spiritual renewal, calling all Catholics to a deeper relationship with Christ and a more authentic living of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For wisdom for Pope Leo XIV as he addresses financial challenges within the Vatican, that he may promote stewardship and accountability in the Church’s temporal affairs. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV’s leadership may inspire vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and a renewed appreciation for all vocations within the Church. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For Pope Leo XIV, that he may continue to foster the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in Church leadership, building on his previous work in the Dicastery for Bishops. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: That Pope Leo XIV may guide the Church in developing new approaches to reaching young people and those who have drifted from the faith. Let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, and for the whole Church entrusted to his care.

Concluding prayer (from the original set):

Presider: Heavenly Father, we entrust to your loving care our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him the gifts he needs to lead your Church with courage and compassion. May his pontificate be blessed with abundant fruit for the building up of your kingdom on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When was Pope Leo XIV elected?

On May 8, 2025, on the second day of the conclave. He took the name Leo, recalling Pope Leo XIII, who wrote on the dignity of workers.

Why do Catholics pray for the Pope?

Because the Pope is the successor of St. Peter and the visible principle of the Church’s unity (CCC 882). Jesus himself prayed for Peter, “that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32, Douay-Rheims).