Catholic Prayers for Peace and Saints to Turn to for Intercession

Peace is at the very heart of the Christian life. As Catholics, we believe that true and lasting peace is found in Christ, the Prince of Peace, and that prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can participate in His work of reconciliation. In moments of conflict—whether in our homes, communities, or the world—we turn to the prayers of the Church and to the example of the saints, who lived lives of holiness and service to peace.

The Church offers us many words of comfort and guidance when we struggle to find peace. One of the most beloved prayers is the one attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who asks God to make us instruments of peace. His words remind us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the active work of sowing love where there is hatred, forgiveness where there is injury, and joy where there is sadness. To pray in this way is to take up the mission of Christ Himself, who reconciles all things in love.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

In more recent times, St. John Paul II, who lived through the terrors of war and communism, left us a beautiful prayer for peace that still resonates today. He reminds us to look to Jesus, the one who is our reconciliation, and to pray that rulers and nations will safeguard the gift of peace. In doing so, we are also reminded that peace is both personal and political, a responsibility we carry in our daily interactions and one that leaders must uphold for the common good.

Lord Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace,

who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,

who so often said, “Peace to you,”

grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love.

Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.

Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.

May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters.

May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.

Our Lady, under the title of Queen of Peace, is another powerful intercessor. When we invoke Mary’s help, we are asking her to lead us closer to her Son, who is our peace. Many families have found comfort in entrusting their worries to her care, especially in times of anxiety or fear.

Mary, Queen of Peace, protect us and all the peoples of the world from war and hatred.

Turn our hearts toward your Son, Jesus, who is our peace.

Pray for us, that we may be peacemakers in our homes and communities. Amen.

Alongside these prayers, the Church also points us to the witness of saints who gave their lives to building peace. St. Francis of Assisi is perhaps the most famous, known for his humility, joy, and efforts to reconcile enemies. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who often reminded the world that “if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other,” lived peace in small, daily acts of love. St. John Paul II and St. Oscar Romero both worked tirelessly for justice, reconciliation, and dignity, and their courage continues to inspire us. Even saints like St. Joseph and St. Martin de Porres, who may not be as closely linked to political or social peace, show us that harmony begins at home, in families, and in the way we treat one another with respect.

What unites these prayers and these saints is the reminder that peace is not something distant or unreachable—it is something we are called to embody each day. When we ask for the intercession of the saints, we are not only seeking their help, but also striving to imitate their courage, their compassion, and their trust in God.

As we look around our world today, it is easy to become discouraged by the divisions we see. Yet, the Christian call is not to despair but to hope. Through prayer, through the example of the saints, and through small daily acts of mercy, we can become true instruments of God’s peace.