In 1844, the “Apostleship of Prayer” was founded. This is a project that helps pray for global challenges such as poverty, education, and the sick – to unite the people with the pope.
FR. FRÉDERIC FORNOS
Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
“Every month the Pope gives us a prayer intention because he believes in the strength and in the fruitfulness of prayer.”
Ten years ago, the “Apostleship of Prayer” was reformed and renamed the “Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.” The essence remains the same, but the style has adapted to the 21st century. For example, since 2016 they have been using a monthly video to spread each of the pope's intentions.
FR. FRÉDERIC FORNOS
Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
“The pope's video has had a great impact on the world. It is transmitted in 12 languages and is found on all social networks. It is also on Pope Francis's Twitter and Instagram. Since it is a collaborative effort, from the start we are working together with the Dicastery. In other words, today it is the most popular video found on Vatican networks.”
Now their 175th anniversary is being celebrated with an important reunion with Pope Francis. The celebration will take place on Friday. There will also be a meeting of all the national directors and a meeting of the participants in the organization's youth movement.
FR. FRÉDERIC FORNOS
Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
“On Friday, we will be celebrating the 175 years of its founding, the 10 years since the beginning of our re-creation, and the five year anniversary of Pope Francis's push for these initiatives. We are expecting 6,000 attendees. “There will be a very beautiful encounter with Pope Francis on the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”
It is estimated that 35 million people are part of the “Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.” Some use “Click to Pray”, a social network meant to share prayer intentions, where the pope also has a personal profile. This month, more than a million people have clicked on that website to pray alongside him.
