Prayer continues to be a powerful force in spreading faith and hope across the world, according to Pope Leo XIV.

During an audience with members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network on Jan. 30 at the Vatican, the Holy Father underscored that prayer is not separate from evangelization but is deeply woven into the Church’s mission. The network, a global pontifical organization, mobilizes millions of Catholics through monthly prayer intentions and worldwide prayer initiatives that respond to the challenges facing humanity and the Church.

Pope Leo XIV thanked members for helping carry these intentions to tens of millions of faithful who bring the needs of the world before God each day. He highlighted that the spirituality of the prayer apostolate is rooted in the Heart of Jesus, nurturing compassion, empathy, and deeper faith among believers.

The pope also stressed the importance of engaging young people, encouraging them to take part in prayer movements and become the next generation of intercessors for the world. He pointed to the Eucharistic Youth Movement as a meaningful pathway to help the youth develop a deeper relationship with Christ and grow stronger in faith.