Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for the month of April is for priests in crisis.
In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question for the faithful: "Have you ever been in a crisis?"
"In moments of fragility, it's so important that we are there for one another," he said. "This April, I invite you to join me in prayer for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find accompaniment and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer."
In the full video shared on the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network website, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month's prayer intention.
Lord Jesus,
Good Shepherd and companion on the journey,
today we place in your hands all priests,
especially those going through moments of crisis,
when loneliness weighs heavily,
when doubt clouds their hearts,
and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.
You who know their struggles and wounds,
renew in them the certainty of your unconditional love.
Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes,
but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples,
and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people.
Good Father,
teach us as a community to care for our priests:
to listen without judging,
to give thanks without demanding perfection,
to share with them the baptismal mission
of proclaiming the kingdom in word and deed,
and to accompany them with closeness and sincere prayer.
May we support those who so often support us.
Holy Spirit,
rekindle in our priests the joy of the Gospel.
Grant them healthy friendships, networks of fraternal support,
a sense of humor when things don't go as expected,
and the grace to always rediscover the beauty of their vocation.
May they never lose trust in you,
nor the joy of serving your Church with a humble and generous heart.
Amen.
"Pray with the Pope" is accessible on the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network website and its digital platforms.
