President's Pastoral Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
The Uniting Church in Australia joins with the Catholic community from around the world to express solidarity with Pope Leo XIV.
October 14, 2026
By Rev Chrissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia
As we hold Pope Leo XIV in our prayers during this time of illness and recovery, we join with the Catholic Community around the world expressing our ecumenical solidarity and care. As part of the wider Christian Church, we share in one another's joys and struggles, bearing witness to the unity we have in Christ and the bonds that connect us across traditions.
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God of compassion and mercy,
We hold before you Pope Leo as he recovers from surgery.
Surround him with your healing presence.
Grant him strength when he is weary, peace when there is uncertainty, and rest as he recovers. Draw near, O God.
Where there is pain, bring comfort.
Where there is weakness, bring renewed strength.
Where there is anxiety, bring your deep peace.
And in this time of recovery, sustain hope.
We pray for those who care for Pope Leo: for doctors, nurses and medical staff, for colleagues in ministry, and for all who carry responsibilities within the Church during this time.
Grant them wisdom and compassion.
We pray also for all those in our communities who are sick or hurting.
May you bring restoration, renewal and healing.
Jesus Christ, you are the source of our unity and our hope.
As members of your one body, we pray with Christians throughout the world, standing in prayer and fellowship.
Strengthen the bonds of faith, hope and love that unite your Church.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
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