Pope Leo sets day of fasting and prayers for peace on Friday

Pope Leo XIV has designated Friday, August 22, as a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other war-torn regions.

During his weekly audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, he encouraged all the faithful to "live the day of August 22 in fasting and prayer," asking God to grant "peace and justice and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of the ongoing armed conflicts."

This date coincides with the Catholic commemoration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which honors Mary as the Queen of Peace.