Pray with the Pope: For priests in crisis | April 2026

In the life of the Church, priests are called to accompany, support and serve their communities. But they themselves can go through difficult moments in which they need closeness and support. With this in mind, Pope Leo XIV, in his prayer intention for the month of April, invites us to pray for priests experiencing a crisis, that they might experience the nearness of God and his people, and rediscover hope and joy in their vocation.

In this month’s intention, the Holy Father thinks especially of priests “when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.” He prays that they might rediscover that “they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons…and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people.” Likewise, he invites the entire community to care for them through being near, sincere listening, and constant prayer, recognizing that they too need to be supported on their journey.

You are not alone. By praying, you join the millions of people who belong to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network who, from every corner of the world, are praying for the challenges of humanity and the Church’s mission.

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.

Lord Jesus,

Good Shepherd and companion on the journey,

today we place in your hands all priests,

especially those going through moments of crisis,

when loneliness weighs heavily,

when doubt clouds their hearts,

and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.

You who know their struggles and wounds,

renew in them the certainty of your unconditional love.

Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes,

but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples,

and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people.

Good Father,

teach us as a community to care for our priests:

to listen without judging,

to give thanks without demanding perfection,

to share with them the baptismal mission

of proclaiming the Kingdom in word and deed,

and to accompany them with closeness and sincere prayer.

May we support those who so often support us.

Holy Spirit,

rekindle in our priests the joy of the Gospel.

Grant them healthy friendships, networks of fraternal support,

a sense of humor when things don’t go as expected,

and the grace to always rediscover the beauty of their vocation.

May they never lose trust in You,

nor the joy of serving your Church with a humble and generous heart.

Amen.

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PRODUCED BY:

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

In collaboration with Vatican Media www.vaticannews.va You are not alone.