Archbishop Aquila Calls for Prayers for Peace Amid New Attacks in Iran and Israel

Following Israel’s strikes on Iran and Iran's promised retaliation, Archbishop Aquila asked priests and laity to pray for peace 

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CNN reports that Israel launched strikes against dozens of military locations across Iran on Friday morning, local time, specifically targeting nuclear and other missile capabilities and indicating that these attacks will last multiple days.  

In the hours since the attack, Iran has promised retaliation for the attacks that reportedly claimed the lives of some of the country’s top military leaders and scientists, even launching 100+ drones at Israel Friday morning. 

As the situation in the Middle East escalates, tensions are high in the region, with Israel ordering schools closed, non-essential work cancelled and non-urgent medical procedures postponed at hospitals. 

While rumors of the strikes had circulated in the days leading up to their execution, they took the world by surprise, with leaders around the world calling for de-escalation rather than deadly conflict. 

In the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has asked that priests and faithful join him in praying for peace. 

“Let us pray ever more fervently for peace in the Middle East!” the archbishop posted on X. “Lord, grant us the grace to be peacemakers, respecting the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death. Only through you Lord will true peace be reached. Amen.” 

Archbishop Aquila’s call for archdiocesan faithful to pray for peace in the Middle East comes at a time of growing international conflict, with Ukraine and Russia, as well as Israel and Palestine, still at war, and with escalating tensions in India and Pakistan, to name but a few examples. In this environment, Pope Leo XIV has placed a great emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit (peace), calling these nations to seek deeper, lasting peace. 

In his May 28 General Audience — one week after he called for an end to the Gazan hostilities in his first General Audience — the pontiff grieved the continuing war in Ukraine and Gaza. 

“I strongly reiterate my appeal to stop the war and to support every initiative of dialogue and peace,” he said, encouraging the faithful to come together “in prayer for peace in Ukraine and wherever there is suffering because of war.” 

Turning to the Middle East, Pope Leo decried the violence in Gaza, noting that “the cry of mothers, of fathers who clutch the lifeless bodies of children … rises ever more intensely to heaven. 

“I renew my appeal to the leaders: [implement a] ceasefire, release all hostages, fully respect humanitarian law. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!” the Holy Father exclaimed. 

All the more relevant now, in the face of the escalating tensions and violence in the Middle East, Archbishop Aquila has asked for more fervent prayers for peace — and even for special Mass intentions for peace across the Archdiocese of Denver. 

May Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for a renewed outpouring of peace in our world, in our country, in our state, in our neighborhoods and in our hearts.