Pope Leo XIV Invites Catholics Worldwide to Pray Rosary for Peace on May 30

Vatican, May 28, 2026: Amid growing global conflicts and humanitarian crises, Pope Leo XIV is inviting Catholics across the world to unite in prayer for peace through a worldwide rosary initiative on May 30.

The Holy Father will lead the rosary live from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens at 7 p.m. Rome time. According to a May 22 press release, Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will join the initiative through a simultaneous livestream at 1 p.m. ET.

Coordinated by the Dicastery for Evangelization, the global prayer initiative will connect several Marian shrines across different countries in a united appeal for peace.

Among the participating shrines are the Shrine of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine; the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Philippines; and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, Portugal.

Other shrines joining the initiative include 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 St. Charbel Annaya in Byblos, Lebanon; and the Pontifical Shrine of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy.

“As the preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church of the United States, the basilica joins shrines throughout the world in this worldwide rosary with the Holy Father,” according to a statement from the basilica in Washington, D.C. “All are invited to participate in this special moment of unity and prayer for peace throughout the world.”

Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly urged prayers for peace since the beginning of his pontificate, particularly for regions affected by conflict, including the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine.

During his Pentecost homily, the Pope called on Catholics to pray to the Holy Spirit to “save us from the evil of war, which is overcome not by a superpower but by the omnipotence of love.”

As voices from different nations prepare to join in prayer through the rosary, the initiative is expected to become a visible sign of spiritual solidarity and hope in a world marked by violence and uncertainty.

News Credits: Catholic News Agency