This Thursday, Pope Leo XIV led a prayer service in the Vatican Gardens, focusing specifically on Cuba and Venezuela. He offered prayers for the "hope" of the people in these nations, who are facing dire shortages and suffering within their families.
The pontiff joined the 'A Million Children Pray the Rosary' event at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican, organized by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). This foundation supports Christian communities worldwide that face persecution or discrimination.
Approximately 1,300 individuals, including children and families, gathered in the gardens. As the Pope presided from a chair, the children recited the Rosary in their native languages.
"Tonight, we are not alone. Across the world, a million children pray with us. A million! Fifty million 'Hail Marys' rise to heaven from every corner and in every language, asking for peace," declared Leo XIV to those present.
During the service, videos were shown highlighting prayer intentions for Ukraine, Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, Pakistan, and South Sudan, with a particular emphasis on Cuba and Venezuela.
The video about these two nations highlighted that "many families lack essential goods and suffer greatly from natural disasters," and it called for hope for both countries.
As the event concluded later in the evening, the Pope greeted and embraced several of the children and families in attendance.
The campaign carries a unique symbolic resonance: it originated in Caracas in 2005, inspired by a phrase attributed to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: "When a million children pray the Rosary, the world will change." Since then, ACN has extended it to over 90 countries.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the event expanded to a full week, from October 1 to 7, allowing each community to choose the most suitable day to participate.
This Thursday's prayer is part of an active stance Leo XIV has maintained regarding Cuba and Venezuela since the beginning of his papacy.
In February, the Pope urged Cuban authorities and Washington to foster sincere dialogue to prevent measures that would exacerbate the suffering of the Cuban people. Shortly after, he welcomed Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla to the Vatican.
In January, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, the pontiff called for the "well-being of the beloved Venezuelan people" to prevail and received opposition leader María Corina Machado at the Vatican.
In September, a photograph of Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba, was delivered to the Pope by Bishop Osmany Massó Cuesta during a visit to Rome.
The Vatican's Role in Supporting Cuba and Venezuela
What was the focus of Pope Leo XIV's prayer event in the Vatican Gardens?
The focus was on praying for hope for the people of Cuba and Venezuela, who are suffering from shortages and hardships.
How did the 'A Million Children Pray the Rosary' event originate?
The event originated in Caracas in 2005, inspired by a saying attributed to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, and has since expanded to over 90 countries.
What actions has the Pope taken regarding Cuba and Venezuela?
Pope Leo XIV has maintained an active stance by urging dialogue between Cuban authorities and Washington and addressing the situation in Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's capture.