Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to dedicate the month of August to praying for evangelization in cities, encouraging the faithful to bring hope, compassion and the message of the Gospel to people living in busy urban communities. Pope shared this intention through the monthly "Pray with the Pope" video, prepared by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.
In his message, Pope Leo described Jesus as the Good Shepherd who continues to walk through the streets and public squares of the world's cities. He prayed that the Lord would enter both towering buildings and modest neighbourhoods, quietly accompanying the millions of people who search for meaning and hope in the middle of busy and demanding lives.
Pope acknowledged that cities offer many opportunities for freedom, education, work and personal growth. At the same time, he said they can also become places where people feel unknown, lonely and disconnected from others. Despite being surrounded by large crowds, many people experience isolation and struggle to find genuine relationships and a sense of belonging.
Pope Leo expressed his hope that cities would become fertile ground for sharing the Gospel. Rather than relying only on words, he encouraged Christians to witness their faith through simple acts of kindness, compassion and love. He said that believers should work together as communities that reach out to others, building friendship and overcoming indifference through their presence and care for those around them.
His prayer also highlighted the importance of Christian communities becoming welcoming places where people can encounter hope and experience God's love. By supporting one another and paying attention to those who feel forgotten, Catholics can help transform urban life into a place where faith and solidarity grow together.
Pope's message comes at a time when cities are home to an increasing share of the world's population. Nearly 45 percent of people now live in urban areas, and rapid population growth has created both opportunities and significant social challenges. Among the most serious concerns is loneliness, which has become an important mental health issue affecting many people, especially young adults.
Church leaders have often pointed to the need for stronger communities in cities, where fast paced lifestyles, long working hours and social pressures can leave many people feeling isolated. Pope Leo's prayer intention reflects the Church's desire to respond to these challenges by encouraging Christians to be present in the lives of others through compassion, listening and service.
The monthly prayer intentions are promoted by Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, a pontifical work that helps Catholics unite in prayer for the needs of the Church and the world. Founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the network is entrusted to the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.
In December 2020, Pope Francis established the network as a Vatican Foundation, and its final statutes were approved in July 2024. Today, the organisation is active in more than 92 countries and brings together a spiritual community of over 22 million people committed to supporting God's mission through daily prayer and action.
Each month, Pope's prayer intention focuses on a major challenge facing humanity or the mission of the Church. Through these intentions, Catholics are encouraged not only to pray but also to respond with practical acts of faith, charity and solidarity.
With his August prayer intention, Pope Leo XIV is inviting Christians to look beyond the crowds and recognise the people who may be struggling in silence. His message is a reminder that even in the busiest cities, simple acts of love, friendship and compassion can become powerful ways of sharing the hope of the Gospel.