Office for Social Ministry
“Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world, asking that nations renounce weapons and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.” (Pope Leo XIV, prayer intention for March 2026)
As bombs were falling in the Middle East this month, Pope Leo XIV lifted his hands and spirit in a worldwide prayer for peace.
News of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has stirred deep anxiety across the globe. Images of destruction, fear among civilians and the threat of further escalation remind us how fragile peace can be.
During his Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on March 1, our Holy Father spoke with urgency and clarity: “I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time.”
He then spoke about the need for dialogue and disarmament: “Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue.”
The Holy Father continued, calling world leaders to halt “the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.”
Pope Leo’s March prayer intention for peace calls us each to recognize the dignity of every human person: “Lord of Life, you shaped every human being in your image and likeness. We believe you created us for communion, not for war; for fraternity, not for destruction.”
These words speak to a foundational truth of the Christian faith. Every person — no matter their nationality, religion or political identity — is created by God and loved by God. When we forget this, war becomes easier to “justify.”
Message for all
The pope’s prayer intention for peace and disarmament also challenges the need for nations to develop more weapons and military power. Instead, he points toward another kind of strength: “Help us understand that true security does not come from control fueled by fear, but from trust, justice and solidarity among peoples.”
This message resonates deeply at a time when the global arms race continues to expand while millions of people struggle for necessities such as food, shelter and health care.
The Holy Father does not speak only to world leaders — he calls each of us to strive for peace first in our own hearts, then within our homes, communities and countries.
For this reason, Pope Leo asks God to “disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment and indifference, so we may become instruments of reconciliation.”
It is difficult to call for peace among nations if we allow anger, bitterness or indifference to grow within our own hearts. Many people today are struggling with their own battles of anxiety, loneliness or division. The work of peace begins there as well.
Through prayer, compassion and community, we can help bring healthy healing where there is destructive conflict and hope where there is despair. We can begin by making small choices: a willingness to listen, a word of kindness, a gesture of forgiveness and a commitment to understanding those who are different from us.
“Peace be with you” are the words spoken by angels and by Jesus himself. That same peace continues to move through the world today in the lives of those who choose reconciliation over revenge and compassion over fear. As Jesus teaches in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Mt 5:9).
CRS Rice Bowl: Story of Hope
At a time when the world is focused on war in the Middle East, the Catholic Relief Services Lenten Rice Bowl’s second Story of Hope lifts up from violence-torn Central America an example of healthy, creative sharing — reminding us that hopeful peacemaking can begin within families and communities.
In the town of Janlay, Guatemala, many Indigenous women are skilled weavers who create the beautiful, embroidered blouses known as “guipiles.” Maribel is one of them. She is also the mother of a lively young daughter named Juana.
When Juana was only 4 months old, Maribel’s husband had to travel far away to find work, leaving her to care for their child on her own.
Seeking help, Maribel joined a CRS nutrition program that teaches families how to prepare healthy meals and care for their children’s well-being.
Through the program she learned the importance of fruits, vegetables, eggs and nutritious grains instead of soda and processed foods. The changes brought new, healthy strength to her family, and today Maribel shares what she has learned with others.
With gratitude she says the program has helped her family grow healthier and more peaceful — a small example of how healthy, creative sharing can bring hopeful peace within this world.
In a time of conflict and uncertainty, Pope Leo invites us to believe once again that peace is possible — and that each of us has a role to play in hopeful peacemaking.
For more about Pope Leo’s message on peace, visit www.humandevelopment.va. For more about CRS Rice Bowl and stories of hope around the world, please visit www.crsricebowl.org or www.officeforsocialministry.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends in the Office for Social Ministry
Meatless Lenten tostadas
Eating a simple meatless meal during Lent can help us reflect on the hunger that many people face worldwide and make a donation to help ensure all the members of our global family have access to enough nutritious food.
Though often eaten as an appetizer in Guatemala, tostadas are also great served as a snack or a fast meal on a busy night. Toppings are spread across three tortillas, leaving room to play with any additions you may want.
Ingredients:
Guacamole:
- 3-5 large avocados, halved and pitted
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tostadas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying (canola or olive)
- Prepared guacamole (see above)
- 1 jar red salsa
- 1 can refried beans
- 10 ounces of queso seco (crumbling cheese), or any cheese, grated
- Chopped cilantro
Preparation:
Into a large bowl, scoop the avocados from their shells. Mash with a fork to desired consistency. Stir in onion, lime juice and oregano. Salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet on medium-high heat, pour a half inch of oil. When the oil is hot, add the tortillas in a single layer and fry until crispy. Transfer to a plate with a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Once the tortillas have cooled, spread three tortillas with guacamole, three with refried beans and three with salsa, reserving the extra tortillas. Garnish with cheese and cilantro. Then peacefully enjoy!