The Pope's Monthly Intentions

Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. Starting in 2017, only one general intention is offered per month.  The Holy Father plans, however, to add a second prayer intention each month related to current events or urgent needs, like disaster relief. The urgent prayer request will help mobilize prayer and action related to the urgent situation.

The Holy Father has entrusted these intentions in a particular way to the Apostleship of Prayer, an organization that works to encourage Christians to respond to the Pope's appeal and to deepen their daily prayer. You can find more information about the Apostleship of Prayer on their website.  (The Apostleship of Prayer will also publish the Holy Father's urgent prayer intentions as soon as they are received from the Holy See.) USCCB

The Pope's Monthly Intentions: 2021

January

For Educators

We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.

February

For Parishes

We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity, and welcome towards those most in need.

March

For Victims of Abuse

We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.

April

For a Culture of Peace and Non-violence

We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.

May

For Church Movements and Groups

We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.

June

For the Abolition of Torture

We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guaranteeing support to victims and their families.

July

For a Eucharistic life

We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.

August

For World Youth Day

We pray the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people to live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.

September

For People Living on the Margins

We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.

October

For the Synod

We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.

November

For the Pope

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

December

For Persons with Disabilities

We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.