Many people today feel powerless in the face of violence, injustice, and social unrest. To those that feel this way, I wish to say clearly: your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter.

USCCB President Archbishop Paul S. Coakley in his call for a Holy Hour of Peace
In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world.

Source: USCCB Article; "Pope Leo begins papacy calling for 'united church' in a wounded world"
An authentic rule of law is verified precisely in the dignified treatment that all people deserve, especially the poorest and most marginalized. What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.

Source: Letter of the Holy Father Francis to the Bishops of the United States of America
Legislators must avoid creating a situation in which cuts to programs for the poor will be made to seem inevitable and necessary, whether in the short- or longer-term, in order to make tax cuts possible.

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops letter to Congress, January 13, 2025
So show your love for the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Source: Deuteronomy 10:19
“As a nation we must come together in dialogue, turning away from dehumanizing rhetoric and acts which threaten human life. In this spirit, in unity with Pope Leo, it is important to proclaim, ‘Peace is built on respect for people!’”

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley

Source: USCCB Press Release, 25 Jan 2026
Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs? He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Source: Matthew 5:43-45
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 

Source: Matthew 5:38-42
We love because he first loved us.  If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Source: 1 John 4:19-21

Unite in Prayer

Transform the world as it is into the world God intends it to be

Our Mission

Leadership isn't easy. Our mission is to unite people in prayer for our leaders to encounter God's love and compassion so they may lead with love and compassion for all people.

Step One: Publish Your Prayer Intention

Share a prayer intention for a specific leader. We will bring all submitted intentions to the altar on June 28th, the official Day of Prayer event.

Step Two: Plan Your Prayer Event

Plan your Prayer event or RSVP to our online event (people of all faiths are welcome).

Share your plans with your faith community to encourage participation in the Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders.

Step Three: Unite in Prayer to Inspire Our Leaders

We will unite in prayer on June 28th, 2026. Together, we will pray for our national, state, and local officials to inspire them to lead with compassion and dignity.

For whom would you like to pray?

Federal, State and Local Representative Search Tool

Enter your address to identify your Federal, state, and local representatives and their corresponding contact information.

Resources and Articles

Helpful tools and resources to help you get started planning your own Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders event.

Our Mission

Three Catholic Cardinals Issue Rare Joint Statement on the Morality of U.S. Foreign Policy

Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Newark, (Jan. 19, 2026) – Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy, archbishop of Washington and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark today issued a strongly worded Read more

A woman with red hair in a white blouse prays in a park on a sunny day

Our Mission

Transforming the World: The Power of Prayer

Throughout history, prayer has been the heartbeat of movements that sought justice, healing, and renewal. When people face impossible situations, prayer becomes both a refuge and a rallying cry—a way to unite hearts and inspire Read more

Bearded man in a subway station holding a sign with the words Seeking Human Kindness

Our Mission

Why a National Day of Prayer Matters

Across our nation, many are suffering under policies and enforcement actions that erode the very foundations of democracy. In times like these, we are reminded that prayer is not passive—it is a powerful act of Read more

Resources

Calling Our Nation to Prayer: Three Steps Toward Unity and Change

The Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders is more than a concept—it is a chance to unite our voices, lift our hearts, and call for transformation in our communities and our nation. At a time Read more

Our Stories

What Inspired the Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders?

Hear more from Sister Miriam on the Abiding Together podcast. Want to know more? Save the Date: NCYC 2026 takes place in Long Beach, CA

Our Stories

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

Resources

Prayer for Leaders of the World

Heavenly Father We come to you with hope and love in our hearts, grieved by the inhumanity we see around the world. Violence, injustice, and cruelty rise where love and mercy should dwell. Lord, hear Read more