SINCE the 1880s, it is traditional for the Pope to announce monthly intentions and ask the Church to join him in prayer for them. The Pope may also announce a second intention related to current or urgent events. Such as he did in 2020 for the Covid-19 pandemic.
This act of unity with the global Church has the added benefit of allowing the believer to obtain partial or plenary indulgences. We can obtain these daily for ourselves or offer them up for the souls in purgatory, facilitating the completion of their purification process and entry into full union with the Trinity.
As such, I strongly recommend that we include these into our daily prayers to undertake daily spiritual acts of mercy.
The Pope has entrusted the communication of these intentions to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer). They are also responsible for publishing any urgent prayer intentions from the Pope.
Below are the intentions for 2020 and the video for the current intention.
The Pope’s Monthly Intentions
January
Promotion of World Peace
We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.
February
Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.
March
Catholics in China
We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.
April
Freedom from Addiction
We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.
May
For Deacons
We pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.
June
The Way of the Heart
We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.
July
Our Families
We pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.
August
The Maritime World
We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.
September
Respect for the Planet’s Resources
We pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner.
October
The Laity’s Mission in the Church
We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church.
November
Artificial Intelligence
We pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.
December
For a Life of Prayer
We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.
