Pope Leo Invites Catholics to Pray for Evangelisation in the City This August

Vatican, August 1, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to join him this August in praying for Evangelisation in the city.

The Holy Father shared the monthly “Pray with the Pope” video on Friday. The video is produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.

In his prayer, Pope Leo addresses the “Good Shepherd” who “walks through our streets and squares,” asking Him to “enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods,” and to “silently accompany millions” of people who “seek meaning amid noise and haste.”

The Chicago-born Pope noted that although cities are intended to be places of “freedom and opportunity,” they can also become “spaces of anonymity and isolation.”

He therefore prayed that cities may become “fertile ground" for proclaiming the Gospel.

The Holy Father also prayed that the faithful would make “simple and loving gestures” together as a community that “goes forth,” overcoming indifference and isolation through presence and fraternity.

At present, nearly 45% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Population growth has resulted in a greater concentration of people, bringing social and community challenges, including loneliness that affects the mental health of many people, particularly young people.

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

Established in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a Pontifical Work entrusted to the Society of Jesus.

In December 2020, Pope Francis established the Pontifical Work as a Vatican Foundation and approved its final statutes in July 2024.

The network is present in more than 92 countries and brings together a spiritual community of over 22 million people who seek to live each day in readiness for God’s mission.

Its mission is centred on the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions, encouraging its members to pray for the urgent challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church.

Courtesy: Vatican News