Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for the month of July is for respect for human life in all circumstances.
"Both you and I have received the most beautiful gift of life — your breath, your heartbeat, your smile, all that you are is God's work of love," Pope Leo said in a video shared on Instagram.
The Holy Father asked the faithful: "Will you help me protect this precious gift?"
"This month I invite you to pray for our commitment to respecting and protecting human life in all circumstances," he said.
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 of life,
You created us in love and called us to live in fullness.
Each person is a sacred gift that reflects your face,
from the first instant of existence
to the final breath of their journey on earth.
Today we ask for the grace to recognize and protect
the unique and unrepeatable value of every human being.
May we learn to welcome life unconditionally,
to tenderly care for fragility,
to accompany each stage with respect,
and to bravely defend those who have no voice.
Forgive us, Lord,
when we fall into indifference or the culture of discard,
when we fail to see in others a being worthy of love.
Give us a new heart, always ready to choose life,
and generous hands that protect it through concrete actions.
Make your Church a living witness of the Gospel of life,
an open home where every life is celebrated,
where no one feels unwanted,
and where dignity is always honored and protected.
Lord Jesus,
may we love life as you love it:
with tenderness, fidelity, and self-giving.
May we proclaim, in words and actions,
that every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.
Amen."
"Pray with the Pope" is accessible on the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network website and its digital platforms.
