Pope Leo Calls Worldwide Fast, Prayer for Vocations

Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics worldwide to set aside days of prayer and fasting for more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, speaking during Vespers with clergy and religious in Montevideo. He called on bishops to encourage dioceses, parishes, families and religious communities to join the effort, and said those serving the Church should continually renew their relationship with Christ and show his compassion to others. The Pope pointed to Uruguay’s example: after its interdiocesan seminary received no new candidates in 2024, local faithful began praying and fasting for vocations, and several young people have since entered seminary or consecrated life.