In each of the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown, one church has been designated to be open for prayer
NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2026
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Pope Leo XIV, since his election last May, has repeatedly called for peace. As evidence of this, he selected, for his first public words after the announcement of the news of his election as Roman Pontiff, the words of the Risen Lord on Easter to His disciples: “Peace be with you.” These words have taken on new meaning in light of the recent conflict unfolding in Iran. Therefore, for his Urbi et Orbi address (to the city and to the world), Pope Leo XIV once again shared a message of peace: “In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”
At the end of his Easter address, Pope Leo invited people everywhere to join him for a vigil of prayer for peace, which will take place simultaneously throughout the world beginning at 12:00 PM (EDT) on Saturday, April 11. The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, urges Catholics and all people of good will residing in the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown to observe a time of prayer for an end to conflict and for a lasting peace in the Middle East and throughout the world.
Bishop Bonnar says, “In this sad moment when peace is lacking in so many areas, I urge everyone to be more intentional in praying for and working at peace.”
In each of the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown, one church has been designated to be open for prayer, though certainly other parishes are invited and encouraged to participate in this period of prayer. The following churches will be open for prayer from 12:00 to 1:00 PM (EDT):
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Our Lady of Peace Parish), Ashtabula;
- Saint Jude Church (Saint Carlo Acutis Parish), Columbiana
- St Patrick Church, Kent
- Blessed Sacrament Church (St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish), Warren
- Saint Edward Church (Saint Columba Parish), Youngstown
- Sancta Clara Monastery, Canton.
Additionally, the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, Canton will offer a Vigil for Peace from 7:00 to 8:00 PM (EDT).
