The UISG welcomes with gratitude the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who has asked all the faithful to dedicate Friday, 22 August 2025, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, to prayer and fasting for peace.

During his General Audience on August 20, the Pope reminded us:

“Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is remembered as the Queen of Peace… May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace.”

In this convergence of voices, the UISG recognizes the Spirit’s invitation to walk together in solidarity with the suffering peoples of our world. The call to prayer and fasting is also a call to conversion: to embrace the way of justice, reconciliation, and hope.

This appeal comes only a few days after the invitation that UISG issued on 14 August, encouraging religious communities across the world to intensify their commitment to prayer for peace - especially in the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in all places scarred by conflict.

As women religious, we wish to respond with faith and commitment. On 22 August, we will join with the universal Church in prayer and fasting, entrusting our world to Mary, Queen of Peace.

May this day strengthen our common witness that peace is possible: a peace that is “disarmed and disarming,” capable of healing wounds and building bridges among peoples.