As we celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, Pope Leo XIV has asked Catholics around the world to make this a Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace in the world, especially for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land. With trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, we lift our voices together, asking the Lord to heal divisions, calm violence, and bring His lasting peace to all people.

A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land

O Blessed Virgin Mary, as we celebrate the feast of your Queenship, we come before you with sorrowful hearts, burdened by the conflicts in Ukraine and in the Holy Land. You are the Mother of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. With confidence we entrust our broken world to your maternal intercession.

Look with compassion upon the people of Ukraine in their suffering and loss. Comfort the afflicted, protect the innocent, and inspire world leaders to turn from violence toward dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

For the Holy Land, the birthplace of our Savior, we raise our urgent prayer. This sacred ground, hallowed by His presence, is wounded by division and bloodshed. Pray that your Son’s healing take hold over conflict and strife.

O Mary, help us imitate your “yes” to God’s plan by saying “yes” to peace in our own hearts and in our world. Obtain for all peoples the gift of peace – in homes, in communities, and among nations – so that all may come to experience the peace of Christ.

Most loving Mother and Queen, we trust in your intercession. Through your prayers, may the world be renewed in salvation and find the calm that only Christ can give. The world longs not for destructive wars, but for the victory of peace and the triumph of love.

O Mary, through your powerful prayers, may conflicts cease, hearts be converted, and peace reign everywhere—for the good of all and the glory of God. 

We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Image: Coronation of the Virgin, Diego Velázquez. 1535-1536. In Museo del Prado, Spain. Wikimedia Commons. Used under public domain.