Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to dedicate the month of October to daily prayer of the Rosary, imploring God’s gift of peace for nations scarred by war and violence.
Speaking at his Wednesday General Audience, the Pope announced that a special Rosary for Peace will be held in St. Peter’s Square on October 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM, as part of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality.
“I invite everyone, each day of the coming month, to pray the Rosary for peace—personally, in the family, and in community,” Pope Leo XIV said.
In addition, he encouraged Vatican employees to gather daily in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:00 PM throughout October for the communal recitation of the Rosary.
During his greetings to Portuguese pilgrims, Pope Leo lamented the “ruins wrought by murderous hatred,” and urged Christians to bear witness to “the love of Jesus that illumines and lifts up humanity.”
The Rosary for Peace coincides with the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, which will be celebrated on October 11-12, 2025. The date also holds deep historical meaning for the Church, marking the 63rd anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, inaugurated by Pope St. John XXIII on October 11, 1962.
Through this global call to prayer, Pope Leo XIV hopes to unite Catholics in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and in their plea for peace in today’s conflict-ridden world.
