In a world marked by recent tragedies, such as the heartbreaking Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, and ongoing global conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East, Catholics and those curious about the faith are seeking ways to find and foster peace. Pope Leo XIV, echoing the timeless wisdom of Our Lady of Fatima, has called us to pray fervently for peace, urging the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting to heal a world wounded by violence. At CatholicFaithStore.com, we believe prayer is a powerful tool to bring Christ’s peace to our hearts, homes, and world. In this guide, we’ll explore how to pray for peace using traditional Catholic devotions and share products to support your spiritual journey.

Why Pray for Peace?

The Catholic Church teaches that peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, rooted in Christ, the Prince of Peace (Ephesians 2:14). Pope Leo XIV recently emphasized this during his Angelus address, calling for a “disarmed and disarming peace” to heal those suffering from war and violence. Prayer opens our hearts to God’s grace, helping us combat hatred, console the afflicted, and work toward unity. Whether you’re grieving recent tragedies or seeking to share hope, praying for peace is a tangible way to live out your faith.

How to Pray for Peace: Practical Steps

Pray the Rosary for Peace

The Rosary is a cornerstone of Catholic prayer, described by Pope St. Pius X as a “sweet chain linking us to God.” Our Lady of Fatima specifically asked for the Rosary to be prayed for peace, a message Pope Leo XIV echoed in 2025.

• How to Start: Choose a set of mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous) and dedicate each decade to a specific intention, such as peace in conflict zones or healing for victims of tragedy.
• Product Spotlight: Our Our Lady of Fatima Rosary for Women is a beautiful tool to deepen your Rosary devotion, with customizable birthstones to make it personal. For a simpler option, try the Miraculous Medal and Pardon Cross One-Decade Rosary, perfect for praying on the go.
• Tip: Download our free How to Pray the Rosary Guide to get started or refresh your practice.

Invoke Saints with Medals and Prayer Cards

Saints like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Michael the Archangel are powerful intercessors for peace. St. Francis’s famous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” inspires us to sow love where there is hatred.

• How to Pray: Use a prayer card with St. Francis’s Peace Prayer or St. Michael’s prayer for protection, offering intentions for global and personal peace.
• Product Spotlight: The St. Michael Medal for Men offers spiritual protection, while the Laminated St. Joseph Prayer Card can be prayed daily with your peace intentions.
• Tip: Wear a medal daily as a reminder to pray for peace, especially for those affected by recent tragedies like the Antioch school shooting.

Meditate with Statues

Statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Jesus can create a sacred space for reflection. Pope Leo XIV, in his call for prayer at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, invited us to turn to Mary, Queen of Peace, to “untie the knots of selfishness” and bring hope.

• How to Create a Prayer Space: Place a statue in a quiet corner of your home and light a candle to focus your prayers for peace.
• Product Spotlight: Our Our Lady of Grace Statue is a serene focal point for prayer, reflecting the patronage of CatholicFaithStore.com. For a smaller option, try the Guardian Angel Plaque, ideal for a child’s room or desk.
• Tip: Pray the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary before the statue, asking for her intercession for peace.

Offer Prayers for Specific Intentions

Pope Leo XIV’s August 2025 prayer intention called for “mutual coexistence,” urging Catholics to pray for those suffering due to war and violence. Specific prayers, like the Prayer for Peace by Pope Francis, can focus your intentions: “Lord God of peace, hear our prayer! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace.”

• How to Pray: Dedicate a prayer session to victims of recent tragedies, such as the Minneapolis shooting, or for peace in conflict zones like Gaza or Ukraine.
• Product Spotlight: The St. Carlo Acutis Blue Epoxy Medal & Laminated Prayer Card inspires youth to pray for peace, connecting with the soon-to-be-canonized saint’s modern witness.
• Tip: Use our Prayer Cards to carry peace prayers with you, sharing them with others to spread hope.

Participate in Days of Prayer and Fasting

Pope Leo XIV called for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on August 22, 2025, encouraging Catholics to unite with Mary, Queen of Peace. Fasting can be as simple as eating smaller meals or abstaining from a favorite food, paired with intentional prayer.

• • How to Participate: Pray the Rosary or attend Eucharistic Adoration, offering your fast for peace in the world.
  • Product Spotlight: Our Rosaries and Prayer Books provide structure for your prayer and fasting practice.
  • Tip: Join a local parish’s Rosary or Adoration event, or use the Click To Pray eRosary app for guided prayers.

Responding to Recent Tragedies

The Minneapolis Catholic school shooting and other recent tragedies have left communities searching for healing. Prayer offers a way to console the grieving and seek God’s mercy. Pope Leo XIV’s words remind us to care for the suffering, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan, by praying for victims and their families. Light a candle at church or go to Adoration and pray: “Jesus, Prince of Peace, have mercy on us and bring healing to those in pain.”

Conclusion: Be a Channel of Christ’s Peace

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is remembered as the Queen of Peace.” By praying the Rosary, invoking saints, meditating with statues, and offering intentional prayers, we can answer her call to bring peace to a troubled world. At CatholicFaithStore.com, we’re here to support your journey with faith-filled products that inspire hope.