Prayer of Pope John Paul II (St. John Paul II) to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Pope John Paul II recited this prayer on the occasion of the canonization of Padre Pio, June 16, 2002.

Teach us, we pray, humility of heart, so that we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of His Kingdom. Help us to pray without ceasing, certain that God knows what we need even before we ask Him. Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will help us recognize in the poor and suffering, the very face of Jesus. Sustain us in the hour of trouble and trial and, if we fall, let us experience the joy of the sacrament of forgiveness. Grant us your tender devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus and our Mother. Accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage toward the blessed Homeland, where we too, hope to arrive to contemplate forever the Glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint John Paul II ~ Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1. "Hail Mary, full of grace!" 

Immaculate Virgin, here I am at your feet once again, 

full of devotion and gratitude. 

I return to this historic Piazza di Spagna 

on the solemn day of your feast 

to pray for the beloved city of Rome, 

for the Church, for the whole world. 

In you, "humble and highest of creatures", 

divine grace had the full victory over evil.

You are for us, pilgrims on the paths of the world, 

the bright model of evangelical fidelity 

and the ever-living pledge of sure hope.

2. Virgin Mother, "Salvation of the Roman People!" 

Watch over, I pray you, the beloved Diocese of Rome: 

over pastors and faithful, parishes and religious communities. 

Watch over families especially: 

may love sealed by the Sacrament ever reign between spouses, 

may children walk on the paths of goodness and true freedom, 

may the elderly feel surrounded by attention and affection. 

Inspire, Mary, in so many young hearts, 

generous replies to the "call for the mission", 

a subject on which the diocese has 

been reflecting over the years. 

Thanks to an intense pastoral program for vocations, 

may Rome be enriched by new young forces, 

dedicated with enthusiasm to proclaiming the Gospel 

in the city and in the world.

3. Blessed Virgin, Queen of Apostles! 

Assist those who through study 

and prayer are preparing to labor 

on the many frontiers of the new evangelization. 

Today I entrust to you, in a special way, 

the community of the Pontifical Urban College, 

whose historic headquarters are located in front of this pillar. 

May this wonderful institution founded 375 years ago 

by Pope Urban VIII for the formation of missionaries, 

be able to continue effectively its ecclesial service. 

May those it gathers, seminarians and priests, 

men and women religious and laity, 

be ready to put their energies at the disposition 

of Christ in service of the Gospel to the far corners of the globe.

4. "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!" 

Pray, O Mother, for all of us. 

Pray for humanity for those who suffers poverty and injustice, 

violence and hatred, terror and war. 

Help us to contemplate with the rosary 

the mysteries of Him who "is our peace", 

so that we will all feel involved 

in a persevering dedication of service to peace. 

Look with special attention 

upon the land in which you gave birth to Jesus, 

a land that you loved together with Him, 

and that is still so sorely tried today. 

Pray for us, Mother of hope! 

"Give us days of peace, watch over our way. 

Let us see your Son as we rejoice in heaven". Amen!

Prayer by Pope John Paul II 

on the Second Sunday of Advent, 

8 December 2002 . 

Given at Piazza di Spagna

Prayer for the intercession of Pope John Paul II

O Holy Trinity,

we thank you for having given to the Church

Pope John Paul II,

and for having made him shine
with your Fatherly tenderness,

the glory of the Cross of Christ
and the splendor of the Spirit of love

He, trusting completely in Your infinite mercy

and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself 

in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd

and has pointed out to us holiness

as the path to reach eternal communion with You. 

Grant us, through his intercession,

according to your will, the grace that we implore,

as he has been canonized to join You among Your saints. 

Amen.