Pope’s prayer intentions

SEPTEMBER: An environmentally sustainable lifestyle

We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.

@Pontifex July 11, 2021

“In these days of being hospitalized, I have experienced how important good health care is, accessible to all. This precious benefit must not be lost which needs everyone's contribution.”

Catholics in Archdiocese of Cologne aid flood victims

Catholics from unaffected areas in Germany rallied to help clean up and provide assistance to those affected by the devastating floods that have killed 200 people and injured at least 700 since July 14. In an interview with DOMRADIO.DE on July 20, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of the Archdiocese of Cologne praised the response: “The great willingness to help was … impressive. From young people ... but also from older people.”

During a visit to Erftstadt, Cardinal Woelki met with people who are staying in the parish hall and receiving help from the congregations after losing their homes. The archdiocese has dedicated 100,000 euro for emergency aid and opened rooms at the College Albertinum to house those left homeless.  

Plans for Laudato Si’ action available on feast of St. Francis

On the feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development will release plans for helping families, communities and institutions discern and implement their responses to Laudato Si’, the 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis on caring for our common home.

Available on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, the free plans are designed for families, communities and institutions. They begin with prayerful discernment to help participants develop a greater awareness of the relationship between the Creator, creation and all our brothers and sisters.