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Wars and persecution rage throughout our world today in an unprecedented form. In light of the outbreak of yet another war in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Paul Coakley, head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have issued statements calling governments and citizens around the world to embrace five principles: An urgent de-escalation to war especially in Iran, the continued pursuit of multi-lateral diplomacy, the protection of the innocent and humanitarian concerns, and a call to prayer for peace.
In times of war and with the advent of social media, it is often difficult for average citizens and people of faith from any nation to truly know what to believe or to have full context of any issue. The real issues behind global tensions today are extremely complex and multi-layered. Therefore, we must trust the guidance of the consistent teachings of the Church.
The Church teaches that the State has the right and jurisdiction to protect the following: Human dignity mindful that the human person is made in the image and likeness of God, human life as sacred from natural birth to natural death, and the common good. At the same time the State must be mindful of its limits to power and allow itself to be informed by right reasoning as offered by the Church to the State. Citizens have the duty to obey legitimate authority but not that which is demanded by the State that might be immoral. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church sections 1883-1885, 2307-2317.)
Special Petitions for World Peace (To be included in the Litany of fervent supplication for the remainder of the Great Fast 2026)
Loving Lord, look down with merciful eyes on your servants who, with faith, bow before your great kindness. You are good beyond measure, and merciful beyond all mercy. You are the abode of calmness, peace, and concord. Put an end to the hatred that separates us from one another, and lead all of us to love, mutual respect, and tranquility by your grace and for your glory. We beseech You, O most powerful King, hear and have mercy.
Response: Lord have mercy (three times.)
O Lord, You commanded that everything be done for your glory. You spoke to a sinful world and brought us the gift of reconciliation by your suffering, death, and resurrection. Teach us, the people who bear your name, to follow your example. May our faith, hope, and charity turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life by your Grace. We beseech You, O generous Creator, hear and have mercy.