Pope Leo XIV called for Catholics to pray the Rosary for peace on May 30
WASHINGTON — Joining Pope Leo XIV in a worldwide Rosary for peace, several hundred people gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington May 30 to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring peace to the hearts of people and peace to nations at war.
The praying of the Rosary for peace at Marian shrines throughout the world unfolded as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its fifth year. The Rosary also came as the United States and Iran were reportedly working on an agreement to extend a ceasefire in that war launched by the U.S. and Israel more than three months ago, while Israel has resumed bombing targets in Lebanon in its war against Hezbollah militants there.
Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia led the Rosary for peace in the basilica’s Great Upper Church. He was presiding at his first liturgy at the nation’s largest Catholic church as the new apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Pope Leo presided over the worldwide Rosary for peace from the Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens. The prayer for peace was coordinated by the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization and livestreamed from the Vatican and via the basilica’s livestream.
Catholics at other locations around the world participated, including the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, the Sanctuary of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine, and the Shrine of St. Charbel Annaya in Byblos, Lebanon.
Before he led the Rosary, Archbishop Caccia said, “Dear brothers and sisters, in communion with the Holy Father, following the example of the first Christian community, we lift up to the Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary unceasing supplications for peace in the world.”
The apostolic nuncio also invited those viewing the livestream broadcast to join in the reciting of the Rosary with their families. While those at the basilica prayed the Rosary, they could see two video screens set up in opposite corners at the front of the sanctuary that showed scenes of the pope leading the Rosary at the Vatican Gardens.
The Joyful Mysteries were prayed at the basilica following related Scripture readings, and special intentions for peace were offered during the praying of each mystery.
Archbishop Caccia offered a closing prayer and blessing, before a recessional hymn to Mary was sung in Latin.
Participant Danica Stanciu said she was especially moved by the intention of the first mystery at the basilica — for victims of war including vulnerable children.
The prayer for “torn families, for fathers and mothers awaiting the return of their children, and for children awaiting their return home,” resonated with her, she said.
Stanciu — who is back in the United States to attend her son’s college graduation — has volunteered in Ukraine for the past three years for an organization seeking the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during the war there.
“I’ve met these children, I’ve met mothers awaiting their return,” said Stanciu, explaining why she was initially overcome by emotion when asked about what the Rosary for peace meant to her.
Expressing appreciation for Pope Leo’s call for the worldwide Rosary for peace, she said, “Families need so much peace and healing, everyone affected by war. It’s not just Ukraine. Other places in the world are hurting. I can’t think of anything more urgent. I’m so grateful to our Holy Father for calling us together today.”
She is currently working with a friend to help set up an organization to support wives and mothers who are caretakers of severely wounded Ukrainian military veterans.
Asked about what is needed to bring peace to Ukraine, she said, “I do believe that God and Mary’s intercession is part of the answer.”
