Pope Leo XIV’s First Monthly Prayer Intention: A Call to Compassion
An Invitation to Prayer
Pope Leo XIV has initiated his papacy with a heartfelt invitation to the faithful. In his first monthly prayer intention released for June, he calls upon individuals to pray “that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from His Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.” This declaration aligns beautifully with June, a month traditionally devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, emphasizing themes of compassion and connection.
The Pope Video
In this month’s The Pope Video—a significant outreach effort of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network—Pope Leo XIV’s voice carries a message of hope to the global Catholic community. This initiative serves as a medium for sharing the Holy Father’s prayer intentions, aiming to deepen the spiritual engagement of Catholics worldwide. Since its inception, The Pope Video has garnered remarkable reach, with over 247 million views across various platforms and translations in over 23 languages, making it a truly global mobilization tool for prayer.
A New Beginning
This monthly intention marks a fresh chapter in the Church’s journey under Pope Leo XIV, who became the 266th Successor of Peter on May 8, 2025. Hearing the Pope himself present this prayer intention for the first time creates a personal connection with the faithful, reinforcing the importance of his message.
The Prayer to the Sacred Heart
Accompanying the video is a beautifully crafted prayer to the Sacred Heart, voiced by a woman who conveys the emotional depth and sincerity of supplication. The prayer begins with an intimate appeal to Jesus, recognizing His compassion for those who suffer, and extends a heartfelt plea to know Him more deeply. It emphasizes the desire for a transformative relationship with Christ, seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. The prayer underscores compassion as both a personal and communal experience, urging the faithful to carry that spirit into their daily lives.
Visual Symbolism
The video is enhanced by moving imagery filmed in two deeply significant locations. The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Rome, known for its revered depiction of the Sacred Heart by Pompeo Batoni, and the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati, Philippines, provide a rich visual context that celebrates the heart of this devotion. These locations reflect a global tapestry of faith, accentuating the universal nature of goodwill and compassion during this sacred month.
The Significance of the Sacred Heart
June’s dedication to the Sacred Heart is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. The relevance of this devotion is not merely in its ritualistic observance but in its profound theological implications. Over the years, several Popes have contributed to the understanding of the Sacred Heart through encyclicals, revealing its significance in Catholic life. Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical, Annum Sacrum (1899), emphasized the need for humanity’s total consecration to the Heart of Jesus, while Pope Pius XI’s Miserentissimum Redemptor (1928) implored the faithful to repair the wounds of sin through love.
Pope Pius XII further deepened this understanding in Haurietis aquas (1956), exploring the theological insights behind the devotion. More recently, Pope Francis, in his 2024 encyclical Dilexit nos, called for a revival of devotion to the Sacred Heart in response to the prevailing culture of indifference, thus serving as a bridge connecting past teachings to contemporary challenges.
A Global Network of Prayer
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network plays a pivotal role in nurturing this devotion across the globe. As a Pontifical Society, its mission extends beyond just prayer; it actively seeks to mobilize Catholics to engage with pressing issues facing both humanity and the Church today. This mission is crucial, especially in a world that often feels increasingly disconnected and indifferent.
Engaging a Broad Audience
Through initiatives like The Pope Video, the Church aims to reach a broad audience, encouraging participation from all corners of the world. Such efforts foster a sense of community and shared purpose among believers, reminding them that compassion does not end within the walls of the Church but extends into every interaction and relationship they cultivate.
In this way, Pope Leo XIV’s first prayer intention serves not only as a call for individual reflection and growth but as a clarion call for collective action in a world yearning for understanding and support. The sentiments expressed find resonance not just within the walls of the Church but across the myriad experiences of everyday life, urging all to remember the transformative power of love and compassion.
