Pope Leo XIV prays the rosary with 700 children at the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV prayed the rosary with approximately 700 children at the Vatican Gardens in front of a replica of the Lourdes Grotto. During the event, the pope offered a bouquet of flowers to the Virgin Mary and encouraged the children to pray for peace and unity in countries affected by war.

The gathering was part of the annual A Million Children Praying the Rosary campaign organized by Aid to the Church in Need. This year's campaign focuses on the message of Fatima regarding the triumph of the Immaculate Heart. Pope Leo XIV told the children that Jesus and Mary love them and noted that a million children worldwide were joining the prayer to ask for peace for children living in conflict zones.