Pope Leo XIV Calls for Worldwide Prayer and Fasting for More Priestly and Religious Vocations

Montevideo, Uruguay, Nov 7, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has called on bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, and seminarians to continually renew their relationship with Jesus Christ, reminding them that faithfulness to their vocation requires making Christ the centre of their lives.

The Pope delivered this message during the celebration of Vespers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James in Montevideo on November 6, as part of his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Reflecting on the importance of remaining close to Christ, Pope Leo said, "Faithfulness to our vocation calls us to return again and again to Jesus Christ; to let Him be our treasure, the one whom we wish to resemble."

Drawing on the day's Psalm, the Pope reflected on how people gradually become like whatever they love and place their trust in. He cautioned that those who have dedicated their lives to the Lord must examine where their hearts are directed, warning that attachment to personal achievements, recognition or the desire to control everything can gradually distract them from their vocation.

He contrasted lifeless idols with the living God, who sees the suffering of His people and listens to their cries. Through the life of Jesus, he explained, God's compassion became visible in human actions, as Christ listened to those who were ignored, reached out to the sick and welcomed those who suffered.

Recognising Christ through the lives of those who serve

Addressing the clergy and religious, Pope Leo acknowledged their years of service and the many ways through which they have brought Christ's love to others. He recalled their encounters with people seeking forgiveness, their care for the sick and their assistance to those unable to care for themselves.

Referring to the visible marks of years of ministry and service, he remarked, "How beautiful are the hands that have grown old doing good!"

The Pope also reflected on the difficulties encountered in religious and priestly life, including moments when work appears fruitless, personal strength diminishes or one is required to begin again. He explained that such experiences can deepen a person's resemblance to Christ, allowing greater compassion, willingness to serve and words of comfort to develop over time.

"May trials always find us united to Jesus, so that they may help us to grow in His love," he said.

Remembering Blessed Jacinto Vera

Recalling Blessed Jacinto Vera, Uruguay’s first Bishop, Pope Leo highlighted his missionary work, service to the poor and deep prayerfulness. Citing a religious sister who knew him, he said, "Just by looking at him, it seemed as though he were always in prayer."

Emphasising his example, the Pope said, "One of the secrets of evangelization is to resemble the One whom we proclaim," urging Christians in Uruguay to make Christ known through their actions and care for others.

Pope Urges Worldwide Prayer and Fasting for Vocations

Pope Leo recalled that Uruguay’s inter-diocesan seminary received no new candidates in 2024, prompting the faithful to organise days of prayer and fasting for vocations. Welcoming the several young people who have since begun formation for the priesthood and consecrated life, he said, "What a joy it is to know that generous responses to Christ’s love continue to come forth!"

The Pope then extended the appeal beyond Uruguay, inviting bishops throughout the world to organise days of prayer and fasting in their dioceses for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. He also called on parishes, families and religious communities to participate in this prayer.

Addressing seminarians and novices, he encouraged them to learn from those who had spent many years in religious and priestly service, particularly their perseverance, love and intimacy with Jesus. To those with long years of ministry behind them, he urged a renewed commitment to prayer, listening to the Word of God and encountering Christ in the Eucharist.

Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo called on everyone present to remain united through the Holy Spirit and support one another, especially during difficult moments. He also encouraged them to maintain communion with the Successor of Peter, recalling that the Pope himself needs their prayers.

He entrusted their commitment to Our Lady of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patroness, praying that she would help them remain close to her Son and place their lives confidently in His hands.

Source: Vatican News