VATICAN CITY — A claim circulating on social media alleges that Pope Leo XIV told Catholics to stop praying to the Virgin Mary. However, there is no credible evidence that the Pope has made such a statement, and the claim directly contradicts his numerous public messages encouraging Marian devotion.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the Rosary, Marian feast days, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has led public Rosaries, participated in Marian ceremonies, entrusted nations and peoples to Mary’s care, and encouraged Catholics to deepen their devotion through prayer and reflection.

The confusion appears to stem from misleading headlines, out-of-context quotations, or social media posts that misrepresent Catholic teaching. In Catholic doctrine, prayer directed to Mary is understood as asking for her intercession—not worship, which is reserved for God alone. Popes throughout modern history have consistently upheld this distinction.

No official Vatican document, papal homily, audience address, or statement from the Holy See indicates that Pope Leo XIV has instructed Catholics to stop praying to Mary. In fact, his public ministry has frequently highlighted Mary’s role as a model of faith and a source of spiritual encouragement for believers.

Fact-checkers advise readers to be cautious of sensational religious claims that lack references to official Vatican sources. Major changes to Catholic devotional practice would be announced through formal Church channels and would receive extensive coverage from reputable Catholic and secular news organizations.

Verdict: False. There is no verified evidence that Pope Leo XIV told Catholics to stop praying to Mary. On the contrary, his public statements and actions have consistently supported Marian devotion and encouraged the faithful to seek the Blessed Virgin’s intercession through prayers such as the Rosary.

As always, readers are encouraged to verify viral claims through official Vatican communications and trusted news sources before sharing them online.