Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Awareness on Water Care
Pope Leo XIV invites everyone to pray for “the care of water” during his September prayer intention, released in a video accompanying his intention for the month of September 2026. The intention, titled “For the care of…
Pope Leo XIV invites everyone to pray for “the care of water” during his September prayer intention, released in a video accompanying his intention for the month of September 2026. The intention, titled “For the care of water,” aligns with the ongoing Season of Creation, celebrated by Christians from September 1—the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation—until October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
In a video produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope emphasized the importance of water as a vital resource, describing it as a “source of fruitfulness, freshness, and hope.” He noted that water is fundamentally a “right without borders,” essential to all humanity. “Water quenches thirst, nourishes the earth, and heals wounds,” he stated, adding that it serves as a symbol of God’s grace and love within the Christian faith, particularly in the context of baptism.
In the video, Pope Leo XIV offered a prayer asking for forgiveness for humanity’s tendency to commodify water, which is a universal gift intended for all. He expressed sorrow over the plight of countless individuals lacking access to clean water, many of whom must travel long distances to secure this basic necessity, often falling ill due to scarcity. He urged the faithful to acknowledge this reality and strive for more equitable access to clean water.
The Pope called upon the Holy Spirit to guide Christians toward living simply and avoiding waste, encouraging the preservation of water as a moral obligation. He urged that everyone should be able to drink water “without fear and without inequality.” His conclusion reinforced the connection between water stewardship and love for the Creator, stressing the necessity of educating future generations about the protection of the Earth’s resources.
This year’s theme for the Season of Creation is “Living Water,” focusing on the increasing scarcity of fresh water and the disparities in access. According to UN agencies, approximately 2.1 billion people do not have access to safely managed drinking water, and 106 million depend on untreated surface water sources such as rivers and lakes.
Fr. Cristóbal Fones, the International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, remarked on the significance of this prayer intention. He encouraged individuals to reflect on creation, safeguard it, and actively respond to the suffering of those who have inadequate access to clean water. “No one should live without water, and no one should die because they lack water,” he emphasized. Furthermore, he highlighted actionable steps for individuals to contribute, including fixing leaks, reducing shower times, and avoiding pollution in water bodies.
Pope Leo XIV’s intention not only raises awareness but also seeks to encourage everyone to take personal action regarding water conservation during the Season of Creation.
