Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has released his prayer intention for January, calling on Christians around the world to pray with the Word of God and rediscover its power to bring hope, peace, and guidance to daily life.
The intention marks the launch of a renewed global initiative titled Pray with the Pope, which shares Pope’s monthly prayer intentions through video and audio formats. The project continues the vision of Pope Francis to make papal prayer intentions more visible and accessible, especially in today’s digital age.
In his first video message under the new format, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to return frequently to Sacred Scripture. He said that only the Gospel can bring true peace and fullness to the human heart, which is often restless and searching for meaning.
Pope prayed that believers may learn to listen daily to God’s voice in the Scriptures, allowing it to shape their decisions and draw them closer to the heart of Christ. He described God’s Word as nourishment in times of weariness, hope in moments of darkness, and a source of strength for Christian communities.
Pope Leo XIV also prayed that the Church may always proclaim the Gospel with joy and that faith may grow through a living encounter with Christ in the Word of God. He said such an encounter should move believers to serve the vulnerable, forgive others, build bridges, and proclaim life.
The new Pray with the Pope initiative, previously known as The Pope Video, seeks to unite the Church more closely with the Holy Father’s prayer intentions. Fr. Cristóbal Fones, SJ, Director of Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the renewed format offers a simple and open invitation for anyone, anywhere, to pray with the Pope each month in a spirit of communion and shared mission.
The January intention highlights Sacred Scripture as a privileged place to encounter Christ and draw spiritual strength for everyday life.
The video was filmed inside the Church of St. Pellegrino, one of the oldest churches within Vatican City, dating back to the year 795. Tradition holds that during the pontificate of Pope Leo III, Emperor Charlemagne donated the relics of St. Pellegrino to the church.
Situated along the ancient Via Francigena, the church has long served as a place of prayer and welcome for pilgrims journeying to the tomb of St. Peter, reflecting the Pope’s call for Scripture to be a living source of faith and hope for all.