Pope urges prayer for vocations to priesthood, religious life

By CathNews New Zealand

May 13th, 2025

Pope Leo XIV leads the midday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer for the first time from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on May 11, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Pope Leo XIV urged all Catholics to pray for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life, as he led his first Sunday recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer on May 11. Source: CNS.

Speaking from the central balcony at St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope noted that it was Mother’s Day in Italy and many other countries, including New Zealand.

“I send a special greeting to all mothers with a prayer for them and for those who are already in heaven,” he said. “Happy holiday to all moms!”

Italian officials estimated 100,000 people were in St Peter’s Square or on the surrounding streets to join the new Pope for the midday prayer. In his main address, Pope Leo said it was a “gift” to lead the crowd for the first time on the Sunday when the Church proclaims a passage from John 10 “where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them”.

It also is the day the Catholic Church offers special prayers for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.

“It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters,” the Pope said.

Noting that Pope Francis had released a message in March in preparation for the day of prayer, Pope Leo told the crowd “Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people.

“And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” the new Pope said.

After reciting the Regina Coeli, he mentioned how the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe was celebrated on May 8, the day of his election.

While that is reason to celebrate, he said, “‘the Third World War is being fought piecemeal,’ as Pope Francis often said. I, too, appeal to the leaders of the world, repeating this ever-relevant plea: Never again war!”

Pope Leo mentioned specifically the current conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and India and Pakistan.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo prays for vocations, for peace and for mothers on Mother’s Day (By Cindy Wooden/CNS)

Full text: Pope Francis’ first Regina Caeli address (CNS)