By Tyler Arnold
Washington D.C., Feb 28, 2025 / 19:30 pm
Speakers and attendees at the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Friday gathered to pray for Pope Francis amidst his ongoing ailments, delivering messages of hope and highlighting pro-life policy efforts.
“The Holy Father is still in precarious circumstances, but thanks be to God and thanks be to the prayers of Catholics throughout the world,” Monsignor Roger Landry, the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA, shared with EWTN News at the breakfast.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, expressed Pope Francis’ gratitude for the prayers as he continues to fight pneumonia and other respiratory issues while in the hospital.
“Pope Francis cares deeply for the people of this country and values our unity with him in faith and hope. He urges us to pray and work together for the common good,” Pierre added.
The event included a prayer for the Holy Father’s health led by Vice President JD Vance and a Divine Mercy Chaplet for the pontiff and world leaders, led by Mexican actor and activist Eduardo Verástegui.
Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder of the Catholic prayer app Hallow, concluded the gathering with a novena prayer for the country.
Service awards were also presented during the event, with Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, receiving the Christifidelis Laici Award for his unwavering defense of life and religious freedom.
The Power of Hope: Celebrating Faith and Inspiration
Recently, at a prestigious breakfast event, Smith took the stage to share his insights and wisdom with the audience. His words resonated with the attendees, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
Among the honorees at the event were Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and San Diego businessman Terry Caster, who received the esteemed “Heroes of Hope” awards for their exceptional promotion of the Catholic faith. Their dedication and commitment to spreading messages of hope have inspired many.
Embracing the Virtue of Hope
The 2025 breakfast was themed around the theological virtue of hope, coinciding with the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The atmosphere was filled with positivity and anticipation for the future.
Mark Randall, the chairman of the breakfast, set the tone for the event with his opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of hope in our lives, especially during challenging times. Quoting Pope Francis, Randall highlighted the significance of nurturing hope and sharing it with others.
Monsignor James Shea, the keynote speaker of the event and the president of the University of Mary in North Dakota, reinforced the message of hope. He spoke passionately about the transformative power of hope and its role in shaping our outlook on life.
As we reflect on the event and the words of the speakers, let us remember that hope is not just a concept but a guiding force that sustains us through adversity. Let us embrace hope, strengthen it through faith, and share its light with the world around us.
