PRAYING FOR THE HOLY FATHER DAILY

Divine Appeal Reflection - 213

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 213: "Pray for the Holy Father daily. He is persecuted much by the children of darkness."

Standing as the shepherd and guardian of a Church engaged in a great and unending mission, the Holy Father has been chosen as the caretaker of Christ’s flock. His role is not just about leadership; it is a deep spiritual sacrifice, carrying the heavy duty of protecting God’s truth in a world that often resists it. He walks the path of Peter, who had to both feed the sheep and endure the attacks of those who opposed him and the Church. Darkness never stops trying to hide the light of faith, but Our Adorable Jesus, though burdened, continues to uphold His Church through every trial. The Pope’s burdens are not his alone; the whole Church shares them through prayer, helping him in his sacred mission (cf. CCC 882; cf. John 15:18-19).

Enemies of truth do not always show themselves openly; they often work in hidden ways, bringing confusion, division, and false accusations against the faith. The Holy Father faces these forces daily and has been given the responsibility of protecting the flock in a world that has lost its moral direction. Yet, despite this great challenge, he is not left without help. The same grace that gave Peter strength in his weakness now supports the Holy Father. God’s unseen hand, working through the prayers of the faithful, gives him courage and fills his heart with hope (cf. Ephesians 6:12; cf. Luke 22:32). Our prayers act as a spiritual shield, guarding him against the exhaustion that comes with the heavy cross of leadership.

Praying for the Pope is not a passive act; it is a real and powerful way to be involved in the life of the Church. Prayer is not just words—it is a force that shapes history, brings us closer to God’s plan, and allows His grace to pour into the Church (cf. CCC 2634). The Holy Father depends on these prayers, whether he is aware of them or not. In times when truth is attacked, when the Church is misunderstood or mocked by those who reject its teachings, his voice must remain strong. He does not speak alone—his words carry the message of Christ, calling the world back to salvation. Through prayer, we do not simply support him; we become his fellow soldiers in strengthening the Church, each of us playing a role in holding it up (cf. Matthew 10:20).

We must not ignore the trials he faces. If the Pope carries Peter’s cross, we, as the faithful, must be like Simon of Cyrene, helping him through the strength of our prayers. Our Adorable Jesus, who promised that no darkness will ever overcome His Church, calls us to stay watchful in this sacred duty. To pray for the Holy Father is to trust in Christ’s unshakable promise, to believe that even in struggle, the light will never be put out. May our prayers rise like incense before God, surrounding the Pope with divine strength, so that he may continue to lead with wisdom, courage, and a firm heart (cf. Matthew 16:18).

Prayer

O our Adorable Jesus, You who entrusted Your flock to Peter’s successor, surround our Holy Father with Your boundless grace. In every trial, be his strength; in every sorrow, be his peace. Let his voice proclaim Your truth with unwavering courage. We entrust him to Your real presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.