Pope Leo XIV has designated Friday, August 22, the Feast of Mary, Queen of Peace, as a day of fasting and prayer for world peace.

In his weekly general audience, the Pope called on Catholics worldwide to dedicate the day to prayer, especially for nations suffering from war.

“Next Friday, August 22, we will celebrate the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queenship, who is also invoked as the Queen of Peace,” he said.

“While our world continues to be wounded by wars in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and many other regions, I invite all the faithful to spend August 22 in fasting and prayer, beseeching the Lord to grant us peace and justice and to dry the tears of those who suffer from ongoing armed conflicts.”

The Pope, who recently returned to the Vatican from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, expressed hope that Mary’s intercession would help lead humanity toward reconciliation.