Prayer
Pope Francis’ Legacy and my Prayers for the Catholic Church
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 in the early morning of April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday) after suffering a stroke. He was the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, serving for twelve years (2013 – 2025).
He made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, waving to the crowds at Vatican City from the “pope mobile.” His last known outside visitor was U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in his early 30’s.
Here are my thoughts on Pope Francis’ legacy and how I’m praying for the Roman Catholic Church.
Are You Praying for Our Next President and Other World Leaders?
The Apostle Paul’s first letter to his disciple Timothy lays out some priorities for prayer:
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1,2 – New Living Translation).
First, we should pray for all human beings on earth (8.2 billion estimate). God wants us to have “world vision.” Second, he encourages prayer for the leaders over those eight billion folks. They are vital to peace and harmony on earth.
Are you praying for our next president and other world leaders?
Praying for a Paris Pentecost
There is great leadership uncertainty in America due to the attempted assassination of President Trump, the VP pick of J.D. Vance, President Biden not seeking re-election, and the Kamala Harris stepping up.
But this week the global community will focus on the 2024 Paris Olympics which begin Friday, July 26. The great athletes and gold medals will excite us. But the far greater story will be people coming to Jesus because of the Games.
I want you to pray passionately for a Paris Pentecost.