Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV met with the leadership and members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN) on Friday at the Vatican, expressing his gratitude for their work and urging them to engage young people as the next generation of intercessors for the world’s pressing needs.
Addressing the assembly, the Pontiff emphasized the critical role of youth in prayer and mission. “It is especially important to invite young people to take part so that they may form the next generation of intercessors for the needs of the whole world,” he said, highlighting the Network’s potential to deepen their relationship with God.
Pope Leo XIV noted that many young people today are searching for a profound and personal connection with the Risen Jesus. He encouraged the Network to use initiatives like the Eucharistic Youth Movement to guide young people toward a deeper intimacy with Christ. According to the Pope, such programs offer a fertile path for cultivating prayerful hearts and missionary discipleship.
The Pope further urged members to strengthen participation in the Network, which unites diverse cultures, languages, and spiritual charisms in a shared mission of prayer and service.
The Pontifical Work, entrusted to the Society of Jesus, disseminates the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions, focusing on the challenges facing humanity and the Church. Pope Leo XIV highlighted that the Network’s foundation in the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus, particularly through the formation program “The Way of the Heart,” helps members know the Lord more intimately, cultivate compassion, and offer prayerful support for those in need.
“It is my hope that through your apostolate you will continue to help the baptized understand that they are both friends and apostles of Christ,” he said.
The Pope expressed his appreciation to all members for their work in spreading the prayer intentions of the Network to tens of millions of faithful worldwide, noting that such prayer is not separate from the Church’s mission but a vital component of the evangelical work of Christ’s Body.
He also extended special thanks to the International Director of the Network, Father Cristóbal Fones, Vice Directors Bettina Raed and Father Miguel Melo, and all collaborators who contribute to the Network’s global outreach.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by urging the Network to continue its mission with renewed zeal, calling on members to welcome young people into the life of prayer, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the Church’s mission of intercession, compassion, and service to humanity.