Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics throughout the world to renew their commitment to prayer for Christian unity as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began on January 18. Speaking after the Angelus, the Holy Father reflected on the long history of this observance, noting that its roots stretch back nearly two centuries and that it received strong encouragement from Pope Leo XIII. He also recalled that one hundred years ago the initiative was given new structure through the first Suggestions for the Octave of Prayer for the Unity of Christians, helping to shape the form still observed today.

This year’s Week of Prayer is centered on Saint Paul’s teaching to the Ephesians concerning the one body and one Spirit to which all Christians are called. The theme serves as a reminder of the shared hope that unites believers in Christ despite enduring divisions. Pope Leo explained that the prayers and reflections for this year were prepared by an ecumenical group coordinated by the Department for Interreligious Relations of the Armenian Apostolic Church, underscoring the value of cooperation in the work of unity.

Pope Leo encouraged Catholic communities everywhere to intensify their prayer during these days, asking God for the grace of full and visible unity among all Christians. He noted that this call to communion will guide reflection throughout the Week, which concludes on January 25, the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul. On that day, the Holy Father will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, uniting the Church in prayer under the witness of the Apostle whose conversion remains a sign of hope for reconciliation and unity.