During his recent apostolic journey to Spain, Pope Leo addressed these words in the Congress of Deputees: “Every human life must be recognised 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’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 addresses “the Lord of life” in his prayer, recognising that every person is “a sacred gift that reflects your face”.
The Pope asks for the grace to “to recognise 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 honoured and protected.”
Human life, threatened at various stages
The Pope’s intention echoes a reality confirmed by international statistics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 73m 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, one of every six 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 in Madrid, 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 defence of human life is neither a partisan issue nor a confessional interest: it is a goal of civilisation. Every human life must be recognised 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.”
This is not the first time a pope has dedicated a prayer intention for people who suffer or are experiencing a particular type of vulnerability.
In April 2020, Pope Francis invited the Church and all people of good will to pray for “Liberation from Addictions.”
In July 2022, Pope Francis again asked for prayers “For the Elderly” – the “teachers of tenderness” – and in November, “For Children who Suffer”, who are “human beings with names, with a face of their own, with an identity that God has given them”.
