Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on people around the world to protect water and defend access to clean water as his prayer intention for September focuses on the care of water.
In his monthly “Pray with the Pope” video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope describes water as a source of fruitfulness, freshness and hope. He also stresses that access to water is a right without borders.
Pope Leo highlights the importance of water for people and the environment, saying it quenches thirst, nourishes the earth and helps heal wounds. For Christians, he also points to water as a symbol of God’s grace and love and of renewal through Baptism.
The Pope expresses concern about people who do not have access to clean water. He refers to those who have to walk long distances to find water and those who become ill because of its scarcity.
He also calls for a simpler way of living, with less waste and pollution. He urges Christians to defend everyone’s right to water so that people can have access to it without fear or inequality.
Pope Leo says caring for water should be a sign of love for the Creator and a commitment to the lives of poor people. He also encourages the education of younger generations to value and protect the Earth’s resources.
The Pope’s September intention comes during the Season of Creation, which is observed from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, until October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
This year’s Season of Creation theme is “Living Water”, highlighting concerns over the growing scarcity of fresh water and unequal access to it.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is also encouraging practical steps to reduce water waste and pollution. These include repairing leaks, taking shorter showers, turning off unused faucets and avoiding pollution of drains and rivers.
According to UN agencies, about 2.1 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 106 million people depend entirely on rivers, lakes or other untreated surface water.
Fr. Cristóbal Fones, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the prayer intention should encourage people to reflect on creation and turn that concern into practical action marked by moderation, care and solidarity.
He stressed that access to water is a basic need, saying that no one should have to live without water or die because they lack it.