Gracious God, we pray for Pope Leo XIV in his ministry. Pour out your Holy Spirit on him, and on the people of the Roman Catholic Church. Strengthen and sustain our ministries of dialogue and partnership as we strive to love and care for your people and creation. Amen. (fb)

"On 8 May 1945, Europe emerged from the devastation of World War II. Eighty years later, the scars of that conflict and the subsequent occupation of Eastern Europe still remind us of the immense cost of war and the importance of lasting peace." The vice presidents of The Lutheran World Federation churches in Europe call us to be peacemakers in a statement that reads, in part, "As we remember this day, we acknowledge the pain of the past and wounds that remain. We mourn the countless lives lost and the immense suffering caused by war and occupation. At the same time, we affirm our solidarity with all who today face war, hatred and violence." (fb)