Pope calls for Catholics to fast and pray on 22 Aug. for peace in Ukraine, Holy Land

Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to observe 22 August as a day of prayer and fasting for peace and justice, especially in relation to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and in the Holy Land.

At the end of his weekly general audience today, 20 August, the Pope noted that this coming Friday marks when the Church will celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mary, reports Vatican News.

“While our world continues to be wounded by wars in the Holy Land, in Ukraine and in many other regions of the world, I ask all the faithful to spend Aug. 22 in fasting and prayer, asking the Lord to grant us peace and justice and to dry the tears of those who suffer because of the armed conflicts underway," the Pope said.

“May Mary, queen of peace, intercede so that people would find the path of peace.”

On 19 August, the day before his weekly audience, Pope Leo told reporters gathered outside the Villa Barberini, the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, that recent diplomatic moves aimed at ending Russia’s war on Ukraine are a reason for hope, while also emphasising that much remains to be done, reports OSV News.

“There is hope," the Pope told reporters as he prepared to leave the villa and return to the Vatican after taking a mini-break. "We still have to work hard, pray hard and seek the way forward.”

On 18 August, US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a delegation of European leaders at the White House. Reporters asked Pope Leo if he had heard from any of the leaders involved.

“I hear from some of them from time to time,” the Pope said. He did not respond to a journalist who asked if he speaks with the US president.

Pope Leo, who marked the 100th day of his papacy on 16 August, was also asked to comment on how he viewed his papacy as having gone so far.

He described it as “a blessing from God”, adding: “I receive so much. I really believe in the Lord’s grace, and I am so thankful for the reception I have received.”

Ending his second stay at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo said he would return, OSV News reports.

“It’s a grace to be here,” he said.

RELATED: Pope Leo returns to Castel Gandolfo for mini-break

Photo: Pope Leo XIV holds a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI hall in the Vatican, 20 August 2025. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images.)

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