At the end of this month dedicated to Our Lady, people worldwide are invited to join Pope Leo XIV in praying the Joyful Mysteries of Rosary for peace and for those afflicted by war and violence.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father will lead the rosary May 30 at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens at 7 p.m. local time. Rome is six hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone, so this would be 1 p.m. ET.
The outlet reported that the following major shrines have committed to participating:
The Shrine of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine
The International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Philippines
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, Portugal
The Shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France
The Shrine of Saint Charbel in Annaya, Lebanon
The Pontifical Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto in Loreto, Italy
According to Vatican News, each mystery will have a special intention:
The Annunciation: for the victims of war
The Visitation: for those who offer the comfort of faith and hope to those suffering from war
The Nativity - for medics, paramedics, and volunteers who provide humanitarian aid
The Presentation at the Temple - for those suffering from the violence of war, those suffering from a violation of human dignity, and prisoners
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple - for an end to war and for peace
Pope Leo has regularly made public appeals for peace since the beginning of his pontificate. In several addresses, he has recalled the Beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers,” urging politicians, global leaders, journalists, and all people to work in their respective capacities to promote peace. He has urged global leaders in particular to work toward nuclear disarmament, and for countries at war to pursue ceasefires.
In his Easter address, he focused heavily on the need for peace, urging: “Let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil.”
“To the Lord we entrust all hearts that suffer and await the true peace that only he can give,” he said. “Let us entrust ourselves to him and open our hearts to him! He is the only one who makes all things new (cf. Rev 21:5).”