For respect for human life: Pope Leo XIV’s July prayer intention

A few weeks ago, during his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV addressed these words in the Congress of Deputees: “Every human life must be recognized and safeguarded from conception to its natural end, in every circumstance of its existence.” In a world marked by what Pope Francis called a “throwaway culture,” Pope Leo XIV’s July prayer intention is for respect for human life in all its states. Through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network’s “Pray with the Pope” campaign, the Pope encourages the faithful and people of good will to join in praying for his intentions. In July, his invitation is to pray that every human being “from the first instant of existence to the final breath of their journey on earth”—as the Pope says in his prayer—might be welcomed, protected, and respected.

Pope Leo XIV addresses “the Lord of life” in his prayer, recognizing that every person is “a sacred gift that reflects your face.” The Pope asks for the grace to “to recognize and protect the unique and unrepeatable value of every human being,” learning how to “welcome life unconditionally, to tenderly care for fragility, to accompany each stage with respect, and to bravely defend those who have no voice.”

The Pope also takes a moment in his prayer to ask for that the Lord pardon us “when we fall into indifference or the culture of discard, when we fail to see in others a being worthy of love.” He then concludes his prayer imploring that the Church might be “an open home where life is celebrated, where no one feels unwanted,” and where “dignity is always honored and protected.”

The Pope’s intention echoes a reality confirmed by international statistics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 73 million induced abortions are performed worldwide each year. Furthermore, the debate regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide is gaining momentum globally.

In addition, the death penalty continues to be applied. Amnesty International recorded at least 2,707 executions in 17 countries in 2025, an increase of 78% over the previous year, and the highest number since 1981. WHO also recorded that in 2024, 1 of every 6 people over 60 suffered abuse.

These statistics paint a picture in which human life at its various stages and situations continues to be threatened in multiple circumstances. Thus, Pope Leo XIV’s prayer for the month of July is an urgent appeal to transform our perspective and, that each and every one of us be committed when faced with this reality.

Furthermore, during his meeting with members of Spain’s Parliament, he stated: “If life ceases to be recognized as a fundamental value, what future can our societies have? Can a community that casts into the shadows the unborn child, the elderly, the sick, those who suffer in silence, or those who depend entirely on the care of others be called fully just? The defense of human life is neither a partisan issue nor a confessional interest: it is a goal of civilization. Every human life must be recognized and safeguarded from conception to its natural end, in every circumstance of its existence. When this certainty is obscured, the most vulnerable are the first victims, and the law loses its deepest meaning: to serve and protect every person. For this reason, the moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to accompany, protect and love those lives that are most fragile.”

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All materials from the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network are available on the website https://www.popesprayer.va/praywiththepope/

Pray with the Pope is a global initiative of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network in which the Holy Father shares his monthly prayer intention, an invitation to pray and take action for the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church, through The Pope Video and The Pope Audio.

Simple and accessible, it helps anyone, anywhere, to take a moment to pray with the Pope and stay connected to the mission of the Church.