Parishes and dioceses across the United States are responding to Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for peace by organizing vigils on April 11, coinciding with a vigil led by the pope at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The initiative follows Pope Leo’s announcement during his Angelus address on April 5, shortly after Easter Mass. In that address, he used the word “peace” thirteen times, emphasizing that true peace “is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us.”
The pope’s call comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East following the U.S.-Israel war on Iran that began Feb. 28. The situation has resulted in thousands of casualties and broader global consequences. Recent events include ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon and a fragile two-week ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries after threats from former President Trump.
Catholic bishops throughout the U.S. have urged their communities to join these prayers for an end to violence. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City said, “I make a special plea to my brother bishops, the priests, the laity, and all people yearning for true peace to join the Holy Father’s Vigil for Peace…as we pray for peace in our world.” Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore announced he would lead a vigil at Baltimore’s Cathedral of Mary Our Queen while encouraging parishes in his archdiocese to host holy hours or other vigils during this period: “In the face of fear, division and violence, we must become witnesses to a different way — the way of prayer, solidarity and sacrificial love,” Lori said.
Other dioceses are also participating: Cardinal Robert W. McElroy will celebrate Mass for Peace at Washington’s Cathedral of St. Matthew; Bishop Larry J. Kulick will hold a vigil at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg; Bishop Earl A. Boyea encouraged Catholics in Lansing; Bishop Oscar A. Solis called upon Utah Catholics to pray especially for migrants and refugees affected by war.
Local Catholic centers such as Pittsburgh’s St. Sharbel Spiritual Life Center will livestream rosary prayers supporting Pope Leo’s vigil efforts while parishes like Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Hanford remind participants that lasting peace begins within each person: “Jesus teaches us to forgive, to love…Without this interior change, lasting peace cannot be achieved,” said parish leaders.
As faith communities prepare these events nationwide—whether gathering together or praying privately—the hope is unified prayer can help foster reconciliation amid ongoing global conflicts.
