Pope Leo XIV has released his prayer intention for the month of July 2025, urging Christians around the world to pray for the grace of discernment—to recognize and choose the path that leads to life in Christ and to reject all that distances them from Him.

In his message, shared through" Pope Video' by Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Holy Father emphasizes the importance of learning to pause, reflect, and seek God’s voice amidst the many decisions and distractions of daily life. The video portrays the journey of a young woman searching for direction in a forest, symbolizing the inner struggle many face when confronted with life’s choices. Through prayer and reflection, she finds guidance in the Gospel and spiritual strength at a shrine of Mary.

Pope Leo highlights that discernment is not a purely intellectual exercise but a spiritual process. It involves listening attentively to the Holy Spirit, recognizing the movements of the heart, and making choices that align with the joy of the Gospel. He notes that the path to right decisions often includes moments of struggle and uncertainty, but through grace, these lead to God’s consolation and peace.

A press release accompanying the video reflects on the modern reality of endless choices and the accompanying fear or paralysis. It reminds the faithful that through discernment, aided by prayer, Scripture, and spiritual guidance, Christians can find the unique path God has prepared for each of them.

Fr. Cristóbal Fones, SJ, International Director of  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, explains that proper discernment requires formation. This includes nurturing one’s prayer life, engaging in personal reflection, studying Scripture, and seeking spiritual direction. At the heart of it, he says, lies the deepening of one’s relationship with Jesus.

Pope Leo XIV concludes his message with a heartfelt prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen all those seeking to follow the way of Christ.

Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer for Discernment

Holy Spirit, you, light of our understanding,
gentle breath that guides our decisions,
grant me the grace to listen attentively to your voice
and to discern the hidden paths of my heart,
so that I may grasp what truly matters to you,
and free my heart from its troubles.

I ask you for the grace to learn how to pause,
to become aware of the way I act,
of the feelings that dwell within me,
and of the thoughts that overwhelm me
which, so often, I fail to notice.

I long for my choices
to lead me to the joy of the Gospel.
Even if I must go through moments of doubt and fatigue,
even if I must struggle, reflect, search, and begin again…
Because, at the end of the journey,
your consolation is the fruit of the right decision.
Grant me a deeper understanding of what moves me,
so that I may reject what draws me away from Christ,
and love him and serve him more fully.

Amen.