VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has led a global Rosary initiative, inviting Catholics worldwide to join a weekend of prayer and reflection centered on peace, unity, and spiritual renewal. The event, coordinated through the Vatican and dioceses across multiple continents, brought together millions of faithful in both physical gatherings and digital prayer broadcasts.

From St. Peter’s Square, the Pope presided over the Rosary, encouraging participants to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life while praying for an end to conflict and suffering around the world. He emphasized the Rosary as a simple yet profound spiritual practice capable of uniting believers across languages, cultures, and borders.

“Prayer is not an escape from reality,” Pope Leo said, “but a way of entering more deeply into the needs of the world with hope and compᴀssion.” He urged the faithful to persevere in prayer, especially in moments of global uncertainty and personal hardship.

The Vatican described the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen spiritual solidarity among Catholics and to renew devotion to traditional forms of prayer in a modern context. Churches in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas reportedly organized simultaneous Rosary gatherings, with many communities also participating online.

Faith leaders participating in the event highlighted its unifying effect, noting that shared prayer can foster peace and reconciliation even in regions marked by division. For many participants, the weekend served as a reminder of the power of collective faith and the enduring role of prayer in shaping hope and resilience.

The initiative concluded with a blessing from Pope Leo XIV, who entrusted the world to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and called for continued prayer for peace and human fraternity.