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 2021 and the video for the current intention.
The Pope’s Monthly Intentions
January
Human fraternity
May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
February
Violence against women
We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
March
Sacrament of reconciliation
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.
April
Fundamental rights
We pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis.
May
The world of finance
Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers.
June
The beauty of marriage
Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness, and patience.
July
Social friendship
We pray that, in social, economic, and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.
August
The Church
Let us pray for the Church, that She may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.
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.
October
Missionary disciples
We pray that every baptized person may be engaged in evangelization, available to the mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavor of the Gospel.
November
People who suffer from depression
We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
December
Catechists
Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
