GENERAL INDEX
PART I: IDENTITY AND MISSION
1. Identity of the work
1.1. A Mission of Compassion
1.2. A Pontifical Apostolic Work
1.3. A Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
1.4. A Vatican Foundation linked to diverse local realities
2. Spiritual Foundation
2.1. Spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus
2.2. Key Spiritual Practices
3. The Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM)
3.1. Spiritual Source
3.2. A pedagogy with Three Pillars
4. Resources for the Mission
4.1. General guidelines
4.2. Defined Terms
PART II: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. International Structure
1.1. Governing and Administrative Bodies
1.1.1. Administrative Council
1.1.2. International Director
1.1.3. Auditor
1.2 International Ofce
1.2.1 Executive Direction Team
1.2.2 Administrative Coordination
1.2.3 Communication Coordination
1.2.4 Finance Coordination
1.3. Assistant Committees
1.3.1. International Council
1.3.2. Continental Coordinator
1.3.3. Formation Committee
1.3.4. Youth Committee
1.3.5. Financial Committee
2. National Structures
2.1. National Leadership
2.1.1. National Director
2.1.2. National Adviser
2.1.3. National Team
2.1.4. Legal and Administrative Guidelines
2.2. Diocesan Leadership
2.2.1. Diocesan Advisers
2.2.2. Local Coordinator
2.3. Community Leadership
2.3.1. EYM Center Coordinator
2.3.2. AP Parish Groups and other Prayer Associations
2.3.3. Shrines, Parishes and Other Realities
3. Other General Guidelines
3.1. Protection of Intellectual Proper ty
3.2. Protocol for International Activities
3.3. Safeguarding Responsibilities
3.4. Fundraising and accountability
3.5. Protocol for Adhesion to the PWPN
PART III: FORMS OF PARTICIPATION
1. Modes of Open Par ticipation in the PWPN
1.1. Open to Any Person
1.2. General Group Adherence
1.3. Charisms and Suppor t for the Prayer Network
2. Modes of Belonging in the PWPN
2.1. Personal Level
2.2. Community Level
3. Other Clarifications on Community Par ticipation
PART IV: SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION
1. Methodological Basis
1.1. A Global Common Standard
1.2. A Guide for Local Adaptations
1.3. Mandatory for all PWPN leaders
2. Structure of the Handbook
2.1. Preventive Over view
2.2. Proced ural Over view
2.3. Formative Over view
ANNEX
History and Process of Recreation
INTRODUCTION
The General Regulations of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network are a new tool for our mission today, although they are not new to the long-standing tradition of this apostolic prayer network.
Their purpose is to help us better understand this pontifical apostolic work in the current context and to align our actions, both globally and at the national level where it ser ves as an ecclesial ser vice, with the Statutes that govern it.
The scope of these Regulations is universal. This means they encompass all who par ticipate in this prayer network, but it is primarily directed at those responsible for animating and coordinating this apostolate at various levels (International Ofce, National Directors, Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus, President s of Episcopal Conferences, local animators, etc.).
It does not aim to cover the entire reality of the Network, which is rich and diverse. However, we hope it will provide clear guidelines to help us walk together. It has been approved by the Administrative Council of the Vatican Foundation and by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, as required by the Statutes.
As this is a first version following the definitive Statutes approved in July 2024, these General Regulations will be valid for two years. In 2028, they will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
Fr. Cristóbal Fones, SJ International Director
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
Vatican City March 19, 2026 Feast of Saint Joseph
PART I IDENTIT Y AND MISSION
PART I IDENTITY AND MISSION
1. Identity of the Work
1.1. A Mission of Compassion
The mission of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (hereafter PWPN) is to mobilize Christians, through prayer, ser vice, and spiritual formation, to respond to the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church, as expressed in the Pope's prayer intentions. This mission can thus be summarized in three key point s:
Compassion for the World: Addressing the challenges of humanity and the Church’s mission through prayer and ser vice, inspired by the Pope’s monthly intentions.
Apostolic Availability: Helping individ uals become inwardly available to ser ve in Christ’s mission by ofering themselves in a personal relationship with Jesus, as His friends and apostles, rooted in the spirituality of the Sacred Hear t.
Formation for Mission: Guiding par ticipant s especially youth on a spiritual path that equips them to live as missionary disciples in their daily lives.
1.2. A Pontifical Apostolic Work
The PWPN is a “Pontifical Work at the ecclesial ser vice of the Holy See, which the Supreme Pontif entrust s to the care of the Society of Jesus. It has a task of coordination and animation at a worldwide level, where countries and dioceses take up prayer as a form of apostolate and, in par ticular, accept the monthly prayer intentions proposed by the Holy Father to the Church, as the theme or content of personal prayer, or group prayer, thus
collaborating with the mission of the Church to place it self at the ser vice of the challenges of humanity”1.
The PWPN is open to all Catholics who wish to reawaken, renew and live the missionary character that proceeds from their baptism. It s foundation is the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus and it is made explicit in the Recreation document of the Apostleship of Prayer entitled “A Pathway with Jesus in Apostolic Readiness” (Rome, 3 December 2014), ofering the disciple of Jesus a way for his or her feeling and action to be identified with the hear t of Christ, in a mission of compassion for the world2.
PWPN leadership coordinates and animates various groups, centers, and individ uals across many countries who collaborate in the Church’s evangelizing mission through prayer and ser vice, in a mission of compassion for the world. The Eucharistic Youth Movement (hereafter EYM) is the PWPN’s proposal directed at young people3.
Thus, the PWPN, as we will explore fur ther, is composed of diverse parish and community groups around the world. Some of these groups are derived from existing Apostleship of Prayer unit s and other associations, allowing for various modes of par ticipation.
1.3. A Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
This prayer network is called “the Pope’s” because it is an ofcial pontifical apostolic work, established as such by Pope Francis in 2018. However, it only exist s where people choose to par ticipate in it s mission. It is not an ecclesial movement nor a par ticular association, but rather a prayer network directly linked to the Holy Father, which explains it s relationship with him.
1 Cf Statutes Ar ticle 2
2 Cf. Ibid.
3 Ar ticle 15 of the Statutes declares that the General Regulations of the PWPN will also apply to the EYM, as it is an integral par t of this prayer network.
The d uty of this prayer network is to pray for the world, guided by the Pope’s monthly intentions, which are the result of his discernment and prayer. The challenges he perceives in the world and the Church’s mission are entrusted to the universal Church’s prayer to suppor t him in his work. In turn, he helps us focus as a worldwide community in prayer, thus exercising our baptismal priestly vocation.
1.4. A Vatican Foundation linked to diverse local realities
This Pontifical Work, entrusted to the Society of Jesus, has it s own legal structure at the global level within Vatican City. By the Rescriptum ex Audientia SS.mi of November 17, 2020, Pope Francis also established the “Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network” as a Vatican Foundation, which is organized under the International Ofce4.
At the national level, however, each ofce has it s own legal structure, either under the legal framework of the Society of Jesus or as a civil legal entity with a governance body that adheres to the civil and canon laws of it s respective country and diocese.
The Vatican Foundation, whose mission is to animate and coordinate the work worldwide, does not have the legal capacity or competence to oversee the administrative activities of national ofces. This point is crucial for understanding the relationship between the international ofce and national ofces regarding the administration of resources.
In those countries where this prayer network of groups and individ uals develops within dioceses, parishes, and Christian centers not directly connected to the apostolic works of the Society of Jesus, the pontifical ecclesial ser vice continues under
4 As Ar ticle 1 of the Statutes declares: "Its legal headquarters are located in Vatican City, on Via del Pellegrino. It enjoys public juridical personality under canon law and civil juridical personality within Vatican law. It is registered in the Register of Legal Persons of Vatican City State. "
the care of the Major Superior of the Society of Jesus, in collaboration with the Episcopal Conference.
A national director is appointed by the International Director to animate and coordinate the network locally and to accompany national leaders to accomplish their pastoral ser vice in conformity with the Vatican and diocesan guidelines.
The identity, nature, and mission of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network were first presented in the document titled A Path with Jesus in Apostolic Readiness, approved by Pope Francis in 2014. This document was the result of a process of reflection and discernment carried out by various Apostleship of Prayer teams worldwide, with the goal of initiating the recreation of this work. Given it s significance, this text is far more than a historical reference; it remains a fundamental guide for our mission5 .
Over the following decade, the identity, nature, and mission of this work have been clarified and refined, as demonstrated in various ofcial document s and the Statutes promulgated in 2018 and 2020, which were approved ad experimentum. Here, we will revisit what the latest Statutes, approved by the Holy Father on July 1, 2024, declare about these topics (identity, nature, and mission), while also complementing them with insight s from other ofcial document s.
2. Spiritual Foundation
2.1. Spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus
The Way of the Hear t
The spirituality of the Sacred Hear t of Jesus ser ves as the foundation of the PWPN. Within this framework, The Way of the
5 You can access the complete document by visiting popesprayer va/resources For a broader over view of the process of recreation go to the Annex at the end of these Regulations.
Hear t (hereafter TWH) is the PWPN’s central formation program, ofering par ticipant s a spiritual path that integrates key dimensions of our mission.6
TWH lives the devotion to the Sacred Hear t of Jesus from an apostolic perspective, drawing upon the rich spiritual tradition of the Apostleship of Prayer through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. This spiritual path aims to guide our hear t s toward the Hear t of Jesus, and thus align our lives with His mission of compassion for the world. For the closer we are to His Hear t, the less indiferent we become to the needs around us.
Structured as a spiritual process, TWH invites par ticipant s to align their thought s, will, and plans with those of Jesus. By doing so, the baptized embrace and ser ve the Kingdom of God, motivated by compassion and inspired by the example of the Son of God. The par ticipant s embark on a nine-step journey, corresponding to the nine First Fridays of the month, a tradition inherited from the Sacred Hear t devotion. This nine-month process also symbolizes a spiritual “bir th,” drawing par ticipant s closer to the Hear t of Jesus and opening them to the life of the Spirit, ultimately preparing them for the Church’s mission.
The Eucharist
At the center of the Spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus is the Eucharist, where Jesus gives Himself to us. The par ticipation in the Eucharist leads us to the inner experience of the Hear t of Jesus and prepares us to live in a Eucharistic way, i.e., living with Him and according to His style, in ser vice of His mission of compassion.
Daily Ofering Prayer
TWH springs from the dynamic of the Daily Ofering Prayer:
6 Cf. Statutes ar t. 4-5
“Good Father, I know you are with me. Here I am on this new day. Place my heart once more with the Heart of your Son Jesus, who gives himself for me and who comes to me in the Eucharist. May your Holy Spirit make me his friend and apostle, available for his mission of compassion. I place in your hands my joys and hopes, my works and suferings, everything that I am and have, in communion with my brothers and sisters of this Worldwide Prayer Network. With Mary, I ofer you my day for the mission of the Church and for the prayer intentions of the Pope and my Bishop for this month. Amen”.
Consecration to the Sacred Hear t
The Personal Covenant or Consecration to the Hear t of Jesus, within the PWPN, is understood as a commitment to greater apostolic availability. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and closeness to His Hear t help us perceive and discern His joys and suferings for the world, awakening in us a desire to ser ve His mission of compassion.
2.2. Key Spiritual Practices
Prayer with Scripture and Spiritual Review
As a journey of daily encounter with the Lord, the Church has always cherished two foundational practices which are at the core of TWH: prayer in the light of the Word of God and spiritual review or Examen. Listening to Jesus and remaining in His Word are essential for establishing a friendship with Him, which allows us to perceive the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church from His perspective. This path helps us align our hear t s with the Hear t of Christ, recognizing His presence in our lives through meditation and the daily practice of the Examen. Compassion, piety, and mercy, as reflected in the life of Jesus, inspire us to act on behalf of others, following His example and being transformed ourselves into missionary disciples dedicated to His mission of compassion for the world.
Three Moment s of the Day
This experience unfolds in prayer d uring three moment s of the day: (a) In the morning: one begins by listening to His Word and asking the Father for availability to His Son's mission, ofering oneself in personal words or a written ofering prayer; (b) In the afternoon: one remains aware of the Lord’s presence while walking, resting, or working, renewing the commitment to work with Him and keeping watch; (c) In the evening: one reflect s on the day, asking the Holy Spirit to recognize Jesus’ presence and express gratitude. One considers availability to His mission, acknowledges obstacles, seeks His mercy for transformation, and request s assistance to live united with Him the next day.
Communal Par ticipation
While it is indeed possible to par ticipate in the PWPN as an individ ual, par ticipation in faith and life-sharing groups is highly encouraged. These groups may consist of permanent and regular communities or more sporadic gatherings, allowing individ uals to connect with others who embody the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus. Par ticipation is ofered in various forms, tailored to the specific ecclesial and cultural context s, ensuring that everyone can engage meaningfully. This collective approach not only enriches individ ual faith journeys but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose in aligning our hear t s with the Hear t of Jesus.
Devotion to Mary and PWPN Patrons
The PWPN promotes love and devotion to Mary, a model of apostolic availability, whose hear t is filled with Jesus and His mission. The Virgin Mary has always been present in the tradition of the Apostleship of Prayer that we inherit. The PWPN (including Apostleship of Prayer Parish Groups and the EYM) has two ofcial international patron saint s, although there may be others at the local level: St. Francis Xavier and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
3. The Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM)
The EYM is the youth proposal of the PWPN. It is a global initiative for children and young people, present in over 50 countries around the world, that seeks to form them as friends and apostles of Christ through prayer, living the Eucharist, and promoting ser vice.
The EYM, previously called Eucharistic Crusade, is rooted in the Apostleship of Prayer tradition and the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus. Today, as an integral par t of the PWPN, it ofers a pathway of formation that helps young people grow in their relationship with Jesus and discover their vocation to live as true apostles of prayer, inspired by the Eucharist.
3.1. Spiritual Source
The EYM finds it s deepest foundation in the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. From the self-giving of Christ in the Eucharist flows the daily ofering of each member of the EYM. It is in contemplating and par ticipating in the Eucharist that the young learn the meaning of their own self-giving in everyday life. The par ticular way we propose to live out the Eucharist for the members of the EYM follows the same spiritual dynamic as the entire PWPN: The Way of the Heart.
3.2. A Pedagogy with Three Pillars
From the celebration of the Eucharist arise the three fundamental moment s narrated in the episode of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24), which in turn express an entire spiritual pedagogy that correspond to the three pillars of the EYM: Word of God, Eucharist, and Mission.
The first is the Word, for the Father has revealed Himself by sending us Jesus, the Incarnate Word, who is our Good News. We embrace this Word praying with the Gospel, which not only brings
us closer to Jesus on a deeper level, but also opens us to a genuine dialogue with Him, where we can be ourselves, talking from hear t to hear t. This allows Him to illuminate our lives with His teachings and truth.
The second is the Eucharist, where Jesus becomes our food and life for the life of the world. By par ticipating in this sacrament, EYM members enter into communion with Jesus as a true friend, fostering deep intimacy. From His self-giving, they learn the true meaning of loving and ser ving others. By opening our hear t s to Jesus in par taking of the Eucharist and adoration, we experience Christ abiding in us.
The third is the Mission, the sending for th of the Eucharistic Christian who becomes a living sacrament of God’s presence in the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, EYM members become not only friends of Jesus but also His apostles in daily life by praying for and ser ving others, following His way of proceeding, and par ticipating in Christ’s Mission within the Church.
The styles and structures of the EYM are diverse around the world, but they all adhere to these fundamental spiritual cornerstones. More details about the history and methods of the Eucharistic Youth Movement can be found in the International Manual.
4. Resources for the Mission
4.1.
General Guidelines
The mission of the PWPN requires only willing hear t s ready to ofer themselves to Jesus in apostolic availability. This commitment helps address and respond to the challenges faced by humanity and the Church's mission as expressed in the Holy Father's monthly prayer intentions.
These prayer intentions are published annually, a year in advance, in the five ofcial languages of the Vatican Foundation. They appear in L’Osser vatore Romano and on the ofcial website of the PWPN, www.popesprayer.va. From these ofcial versions, they can be translated into as many languages as possible to ensure they are well known, understood, and shared widely.
Each national leader is responsible for creating the necessary resources such as booklet s, flyers, magazines, and publications— tailored to their cultural context s and capabilities to suppor t the mission of those par ticipating in the PWPN.
The Vatican Foundation, through it s international ofce, is dedicated to animating and coordinating the Prayer Network on a global scale. It ensures compliance with the Statutes established by the Holy Father, appoint s national directors, and maintains regular communication with the Holy Father and the Superior General of the Jesuit s regarding impor tant matters in the life of the Network. Additionally, it ofers pastoral and spiritual guidance at the global level to preser ve the good being and identity of the work and mission, promotes document s that animate the overall mission, and coordinates international campaigns and suppor t project s, including books, print and digital publications, and formation programs.
4.2 Defined Terms
PWPN
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. A Pontifical Apostolic Work at the ecclesial ser vice of the Holy See, entrusted by the Supreme Pontif to the care of the Society of Jesus (Cf. Statutes a.2.n.1).
Recreation
The process of recreating the Apostleship of Prayer, initiated in 2014 under the guidance of Pope Francis and Fr. Adolfo Nicolás,
aimed to revitalize and modernize this Pontifical Apostolic Work while maintaining it s spiritual essence centered on prayer and daily ofering (cf. Letter from Fr. Superior General Adolfo Nicolás, SJ, 2015).
Pontifical Apostolic Work
It refers to a project, initiative, or organization that is ofcially established or endorsed by the Pope as par t of the evangelization mission of the Church. Key characteristics include charitable focus aimed at promoting spiritual grow th, assisting the needy, and spreading faith; a global reach that engages with local communities and addresses international issues; and collaboration with dioceses, parishes, and other Church organizations.
Vatican Foundation
It refers to a non-profit organization that operates under the auspices of the Vatican. It has public canonical juridical personality and Vatican civil juridical personality and is registered in the Register of Juridical Persons of the Vatican City State. In this case, it consist s of an international ofce tasked with coordinating and animating the pontifical apostolic work PWPN at a global level.
Spiritual Foundation
It is the Spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus, from which this apostolic mission has drawn it s sustenance since it s origins. This is a concrete way, within the tradition of the Church, to emphasize the personal relationship with Jesus from His open side (the Sacred Hear t), an expression of His compassionate love for humanity and for each individ ual. This spirituality invites us to ofer ourselves each day through Him, with Him, and in Him (cf. Dilexit Nos 54).
Mission of Compassion
It is the formulation of the apostolic dimension of the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus. As stated in the statutes, this approach embraces prayer as a form of apostolate, collaborating with the Church's mission to address the challenges of humanity expressed in the prayer intentions of the Holy Father. (cf. Statutes a.2.n.1).
The Pope’s Prayer Intentions
The Pope's Prayer Intentions address challenges and oppor tunities facing humanity and the mission of the Church. The Pope discerns yearly these intentions and entrust s them to his Worldwide Prayer Network to share with the Church and the world. They are the compass of our mission. We commit to making known, promoting, and encouraging prayer for them in as many places and hear t s as possible (cf. Statutes a.4a).
The Way of the Hear t (TWH)
It is the itinerary of spiritual formation of the PWPN. A structured spiritual process designed pedagogically to align with the thought s, will, and plans of Jesus, helping us embrace and ser ve the Kingdom of God in apostolic availability, and collaborating in daily life with the mission of Jesus (cf. Statutes a.4b.5).
Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM)
It is the youth proposal of the PWPN, fostering an intimate friendship with the Lord. Inspired by the narrative in Luke about the disciples on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24), it is built on three pillars: the Gospel, the Eucharist, and Mission (cf. International Manual EYM).
PART II ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
PART II ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. International Structure
1.1. Governing and Administrative Bodies
At the International level, the Pontifical Apostolic Work is a Vatican Foundation directly subject to the authority of the Supreme Pontif, who governs it through the Secretariat of State7. As an apostolic work entrusted to the Society of Jesus, it is administered, both at a global level and in the countries where this ecclesial ser vice is developed, according to the proper way of organization and governance of the Society of Jesus.
1.1.1 Administrative Council
This Vatican Foundation has an Administrative Council, consisting of five members. It is presided over by the International Director appointed by the Holy Father and composed of a representative of the Secretariat of State and three other members appointed by the Secretary of State proposed by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus8. All these appointment s are for a five-year renewable term. It s goal is to ensure that the PWPN's mission, vision, spirituality, and ecclesial spirit align with the guidelines of the Holy Father and the Catholic Church. It determines general guidelines, super vises the Foundation's management, deliberates on the annual budget and final balance sheet, and proposes any modifications to the Statutes. Additionally, it approves the International Direction's annual work plan and strategic plan9.
7 Cf Statutes ar t 7
8 Statutes, ar t. 8.
9 Statutes, ar t. 10.
1.1.2 International Director
The International Director of the PWPN is responsible for managing it s ordinary afairs, repor ting annually to the Administrative Council, and informing them about international project s developed with the Assistant Committees. He appoint s National Directors for coordination and animation after consulting the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and obtaining approval from the respective Episcopal Conference. Additionally, he may appoint par t-time National Coordinators, informing the Episcopal Conference. The International Director periodically updates the Superior General on PWPN activities and organizes continental meetings with National Directors and Coordinators10.
1.1.3 Auditor
A single Auditor is appointed by the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy for a five-year term and may be re-appointed, with the d uty of super vising compliance with the law, the Statutes and other provisions concerning the Foundation and the keeping of the account s and the correspondence of the financial statement s with the the accounts11. The auditor can attend the Administrative Council meeting, without the right to vote, especially when financial matters are discussed.
1.2.
International Ofce
1.2.1
Executive Direction Team
10 Statutes, ar t. 11.
To assist the International Director in his mission, he has two Vice Directors proposed by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and appointed by the Secretary of State for a five-year term, which can be renewed. They can attend the Administrative 11 Statutes, ar t. 13.
Council, without the right to vote12 . The three of them together compose the Executive Direction Team.
The various teams within the international ofce are not entities above the national ofces and their teams; rather, they exist to suppor t the Vatican Foundation’s task of coordinating and promoting the global mission. This is achieved in collaboration with the Holy See (the Holy Father, the Secretariat of State, the Secretariat for the Economy, and various dicasteries and Vatican entities), as well as the Episcopal Conferences and the Governance of the Society of Jesus.
1.2.2 Administrative Coordination
The international ofce, legally based in the Vatican, manages the daily operations of the organization at a global level under the responsibility of the International Director with the suppor t of an assistant director, a secretary, and other international assistant s. These roles cover various tasks, including appointment s, project implementation, and suppor t for national ofces.
1.2.3 Communication Coordination
The Communication depar tment manages the organization's internal and external communications, it s presence on social media, and other dissemination platforms. Additionally, it suppor t s international digital communication project s aligned with the mission, leveraging the diverse exper tise of community managers, digital managers, designers, technical suppor t staf, and website specialist s.
1.2.4 Finance Coordination
The accounting and finances of the Vatican Foundation are managed by a dedicated depar tment that oversees financial
12 Statutes, ar t. 12.
matters and coordinates fundraising initiatives for both ongoing international project s and specific event s, such as pilgrimages, formation meetings, congresses, and trips by the leadership team to visit and suppor t local communities.
1.3. Assistant Committees
With the purpose of suppor ting, providing a universal perspective, and accompanying the pastoral mission of this ecclesial ser vice, various assisting groups with representatives from diferent countries are par t of the international coordination of this Pontifical Apostolic Work.
1.3.1 International Council
An International Council is composed of six Continental Coordinators, appointed by the President s of the Jesuit Conferences of Major Superiors to assist the mission of the Executive Direction Team. This is a way of clearly signifying that it is a work entrusted to the Society of Jesus. The Continental Coordinator is a Jesuit, a diocesan priest, a man or woman religious or a layperson with experience in the Spiritual Exercises and familiarity with the identity and mission of the Society of Jesus and it s apostolic works. As far as possible, his or her principal mission should be that of National Director of a country for the prayer network. This International Council meet s regularly in digital form and once a year in person.
1.3.2 Continental Coordination
Since the Continental Coordinators are appointed by the President s of each of the Jesuit Conferences of Major Superiors, they should be integrated into the organization of each Jesuit Major Superiors Conference. It is essential for the Coordinator to provide pastoral suppor t to National Directors, especially new ones, and to maintain regular contact and foster collaboration between countries. This includes promoting: networking, shared
initiatives, and teamwork. To achieve this, it is impor tant to form a Continental Team with other directors, coordinators, and assistant s to prepare and follow up on agreement s from both monthly digital and biennial in-person Continental Meetings.
1.3.3 Formation Committee
A Formation Committee suppor t s this area of the Executive Direction Team and the Continental Coordinators by helping to review and validate international formation materials. It s role is to strengthen, at the global level, key areas such as formation in spirituality, leadership, identity and mission, and safeguarding policies and protocols.
1.3.4
Youth Committee
A Youth Committee suppor t s this specific reality of the PWPN, par ticularly by focusing on the EYM in it s various context s. Additionally, it addresses the specific needs for the formation and accompaniment of youth across diferent regional context s and provides guidance for the international organization of the EYM.
1.3.5 Financial Committee
A Financial Committee helps evaluate the economic structure of the organization, project the financial needs of the Vatican foundation, and ensure the proper suppor t of the international ofce and it s pastoral project s in ser vice of the global mission.
2. National Structures
In each country or region, according to the Episcopal Conference jurisdiction, the PWPN is entrusted to a National Director appointed by the International Director for a renewable
three-year term, following consultation with the Society of Jesus and with the approval of the respective Episcopal Conference13.
When the appointed person’s primary mission is not the PWPN and there is no local ofce structure, a National Coordinator can be appointed to ser ve as a point of reference for the Episcopal Conference and to repor t to the International Director14. If the situation is even more limited or transitory, a Contact Person in the country is designated to maintain communication and ensure the flow of information. In some cases, depending on the context, it may be desirable to have a Regional Coordinator—who usually corresponds with Jesuit Provinces that encompass several countries—to animate and coordinate the national realities more closely with common criteria.
2.1. National Leadership
Local realities are highly diverse in their structure, history, and context. In many countries, there is unified leadership for the PWPN, while in others, there is a stronger tradition led by a specific National Director for the youth proposal, EYM. In some countries, the PWPN and EYM National Directors coexist.
2.1.1. National Director
Each National Director of the PWPN/EYM is appointed for this pontifical apostolic work by the International Director, missioned locally by his Jesuit Provincial (if a Jesuit), and approved by the President of the Episcopal Conference. National Directors can be Jesuit priest s or brothers, diocesan priest s, religious men or women, or laypersons.
The National Director of the PWPN/EYM ser ves as the primary point of contact with the International Ofce and the National Episcopal Conference, ensuring alignment with the mission's
13 Statutes, ar t. 11d.
14 Statutes, ar t. 11e.
global and local dimensions. They are responsible for contacting the Episcopal Conference to introd uce themselves, share the Pope’s prayer intentions, and present the mission of the PWPN. They should collaborate with the Episcopal Conference secretariat s, aligning with the monthly prayer intentions and celebrations central to the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus, such as the Solemnity of the Sacred Hear t, Corpus Christi, and the feast s of the patron saint s of the PWPN/EYM.
Their responsibilities include submitting an annual repor t to the International Director and the Jesuit Major Superior/President of the Jesuit Conference of Major Superiors; keeping contact with the Continental Coordinator; maintaining knowledge of and par ticipation in civil and financial structures; attending monthly vir tual meetings with other National Directors at the continental level; and par ticipating in the biannual Continental meeting in person.
The National Director is tasked with understanding and suppor ting the reality of the PWPN nationwide; promoting and inculturating the Pope’s Intentions and international project s; and providing oppor tunities for The Way of the Hear t retreat s and formation. He or she works to build and coordinate a stable National Team, when possible, and animate Apostleship of Prayer groups, EYM groups, and other PWPN communities. Additionally, they ofer training for formators, and create local materials such as bulletins, magazines, and videos to strengthen the mission.
When there is a National Director of the PWPN, a National Coordinator for EYM or Apostleship of Prayer groups can be named by the National Director. However, in specific cases, the International Director may appoint an EYM National Director who has a direct relationship with the international ofce.
2.1.2. National Adviser
When the national leadership of the PWPN/EYM is not led by a Jesuit priest, a National Adviser, who is a Jesuit, is appointed as National Adviser by the local Jesuit Major Superior or President of the Jesuit Conference of Major Superiors in agreement with the International Director. This ensures the Society of Jesus, entrusted with this pontifical work, maintains an explicit presence in suppor ting the PWPN’s pastoral mission at the national level. The Adviser joins the National Team and provides ongoing advice and pastoral care to the National Director ’s mission.
2.1.3. National Team
Each National Director is responsible for forming a National Team to suppor t the diverse realities of this pontifical work locally. Grounded in prayer and discernment, the team works to fulfill the PWPN/EYM mission by addressing specific needs. It meet s regularly to strengthen groups and par ticipant s nationwide through prayer materials, adapted international resources, event s, spiritual experiences like Way of the Hear t retreat s, and methodological tools. The team also manages communication, social media, safeguarding, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
2.1.4. Legal and Administrative Guidelines
National ofces have their own civil and financial structures, independent of the International Ofce. Legally and civilly, they are autonomous. At the pastoral and spiritual level, they receive suppor t from the International Ofce, which coordinates and drives the mission.
The International Ofce of the PWPN has neither legal capacity nor power to super vise the administrative activity of the national ofces15. This refers both to the asset s already in the possession of
15 Cf. Statutes, ar t. 14.
these ofces and to the asset s that will be acquired in the future. This juridical capacity lies with the individ ual ofces according to the regulations applicable in their respective countries and repor ting to their local canonical authorities.
The National Directors are subject to the legal system of the country for which they have been appointed in all matters concerning the administration and alienation of goods and the legal responsibility for such administration and alienation. This takes into account the juridical form that the Pontifical Work assumes in that country, whether as a juridical person (association, foundation, etc.) or without juridical personality. It s asset s must be completely separate from the personal account s of the National Directors.
Repor ting on the administrative activities of the National Ofces, such as budget s and final account s, is not subject to the scrutiny of the Board of the Vatican Foundation, nor is it par t of the budget of the Foundation. However, for proper financial control and transparency, the national responsible individ ual must disclose the expenses annually to the corresponding Jesuit Major Superior/President of the Jesuit Conference of Major Superiors, or to those he delegates for this purpose.
2.2. Diocesan Leadership
2.2.1
Diocesan Directors or Diocesan Advisers
Historically, bishops appointed a diocesan director for the Apostleship of Prayer, usually a priest, while laypersons were often designated by national Apostleship of Prayer or Eucharistic Youth Movement organizations as diocesan or regional president s, with additional roles such as vice-president s. In countries with large memberships and strong historical root s, this structure may still be valid if it efectively ser ves the local mission.
Since 2018, the PWPN Statutes allow the diocesan Ordinary to appoint, in consultation and coordination with the National Director, a diocesan leader who may be a priest, a religious, or a layperson16. Their role is to animate and coordinate the prayer network at the diocesan level, providing spiritual accompaniment and guidance to mission leaders, and ensuring efective promotion and leadership of the apostolic work.
Diocesan Advisers are to meet with the National Director at least once a year to foster mutual suppor t and coordinate pastoral plans and activities.
2.2.2. Local Coordinator
When no diocesan organization of the PWPN exist s, there may be a need for Local Coordinators at the diocesan level, appointed by the National Ofce. These coordinators may ser ve either the overall PWPN mission or specifically within the structure of the EYM. They will be responsible for implementing the mission and managing it s administrative aspect s in the region or the city. Their roles should be clearly defined in relation to the National Team. It is essential that local coordinators are appointed with the bishop's approval and work in coordination with the diocesan mission.
2.3. Community Leadership
2.3.1
EYM Center Coordinator
Various groups, teams, or communities of the Eucharistic Youth Movement within the same pastoral unit ( parish, school, etc.) are overseen by a responsible ad ult ser ving as the Center Coordinator. This individ ual, with experience in guiding communities either as a layperson or a member of a religious group accompanies, encourages, and motivates team leaders while connecting the Center with the EYM’s national or regional activities, the local
16 To better align with the renewed mission, it is asked that bishops appoint this person as the Diocesan Adviser instead of the Diocesan Director.
community, and the diocese. Additionally, they promote a healthy and safe environment by adhering to safeguarding guidelines, ensuring that team leaders understand these policies, and updating the National Director on their implementation (cf. EYM International Manual).
2.3.2 Apostleship of Prayer Parish Groups and other Prayer Associations
If parish groups of the Apostleship of Prayer have an active associative structure recognized by the National Ofce and approved by local canonical authorities, they may continue following their directives and structure as long as they suppor t the mission of the PWPN. Similarly, various types of prayer communities and groups—whether in parishes, schools, chapels, or ecclesial movement s—that par ticipate in the PWPN may retain their unique charism and organization, provided they operate within the guidelines of the diocese to which they belong.
2.3.3. Shrines, Parishes and Other Realities
Some broader ecclesial entities, such as shrines, parishes, ecclesial movement s, religious congregations, and institutes of consecrated life, formally adhere to the PWPN, embracing it s mission to pray and mobilize in ser vice of the challenges facing humanity and the Church's mission expressed in the prayer intentions. Each follows it s own guidelines and leadership while maintaining a continuous relationship with the initiatives of the National Ofce and the proposals of the International Team from the Vatican Foundation.
3. Other General Guidelines
3.1.
Protection of Intellectual Proper ty
National Directors may print and sell The Way of the Hear t books and all international materials to suppor t their national mission,
while safeguarding free digital access to all versions. Printing can be managed directly by the national ofce, retaining proceeds, or through a publishing house, which may not acquire ownership of the content or design. Contract s with publishers must grant only limited right s for a specific period or number of print s and cannot include indefinite exclusivity or perpetuity. Agreement s must apply solely to the national territory unless authorized by other countries’ directors. All contract s require prior approval from the international ofce before signing.
3.2. Protocol for International Activities
National Directors are responsible for organizing delegations for international event s, ensuring these trips prioritize spiritual grow th and mission. Travel must include round-trip ticket s, accommodations, meals, health coverage, and travel insurance, with funds managed through ofcial account s of recognized institutions. Additional activities out side ofcial programs are the responsibility of national ofces, and a detailed travel plan must be submitted to the international ofce and Continental Coordinator at least 45 days before depar ture. Personal handling of funds is prohibited, and the use of a travel agency is mandatory if no legal entity is available. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in personal legal responsibility, while the international ofce remains available for suppor t.
3.3. Safeguarding Responsibilities
A specific section of this General Regulation addresses the Policy for Safeguarding and Protection of minors and vulnerable ad ult s, which must be followed in all countries where this pontifical work of ecclesial ser vice is present and recognized. It is the responsibility of the National Director to be familiar with these guidelines and align them with the local context, in accordance with the specific protocols and directives of the Episcopal Conference and the Society of Jesus.
3.4. Fundraising and accountability
It is essential to emphasize the impor tance of developing local fundraising efor t s while ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters. As said above, the PWPN and EYM have the civil capacity to manage temporal goods in accordance with local legal policies, with responsibility for their administration assigned to the National and Diocesan Directors at their respective levels. Financial account s are to be repor ted annually: the National Director to the Jesuit Major Superior/President of the Jesuit Conference of Major Superiors, and the Diocesan Director(s) or Adviser(s) to the National Director(s). The sale of goods, incurrence of debt, and administrative act s follow the norms of the Society of Jesus, requiring approvals based on authorization limit s set by the Provincial Superior or Superior General. In cases of dissolution, the ownership of goods transfers to the next superior level (diocesan, national or international), with EYM goods transferring to the PWPN and, ultimately, PWPN goods transferring to the Holy See.
3.5. Protocol for Adhesion to the PWPN
To formally join the PWPN, parishes, shrines, or communities are invited to commit to praying for the Pope's monthly intentions, addressing the challenges of humanity and the Church's mission. This commitment, centered on the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus and The Way of the Hear t, involves dedicating the first Fridays of each month to prayer through various means, such as Eucharistic celebrations, Eucharistic Adoration, or diverse gatherings in person or online. A letter of adhesion addressed to the National Director expressing the desire for unity and commitment to this mission is recommended. Ideally, this union is formalized through a liturgical ceremony, such as a Eucharistic celebration at the parish or shrine. For guidance on this protocol, communities should contact the National Director of the PWPN.
PART III FORMS OF PARTICIPATION
PART III
FORMS OF PARTICIPATION
Every person can par ticipate in the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
The Recreation Process has revitalized the understanding of the original intuitions, practices, and inspirations of this ecclesial ser vice, updating and deepening them within a new paradigm more suited to the times we live in. This renewal does not erase or negate the tradition or the inspiring charism; rather, it deepens it, expanding the scope of it s mission and ser vice.
As established since the beginning of the Apostleship of Prayer, members of this missionary initiative belong to diverse ecclesial groups. Hence, we are not merely one association among others but rather a universal network (or “Holy League of Christian Hear t s united to the Hear t of Jesus”, Ramière, 1861) connected through a common mission and rooted in a shared spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus.
For the sake of greater clarity, the PWPN ofers two forms of par ticipation: an “open” form and a “belonging” form, both inspired by the Eucharist as a model of ofering and availability to live the way of Jesus. These forms are an updated reinterpretation of the three degrees of par ticipation from the 1896 Statutes of the Apostleship of Prayer, which were present in several countries.
1. Modes of Open Par ticipation in the PWPN
1.1. Open to Any Person
The mode of open par ticipation, accessible to every baptized person as well as any person of good will, involves praying for the Pope’s prayer intentions, par ticularly on the first Friday of each month, designated as the “Monthly Day of Prayer for the Pope’s Intention,” though it is not limited to this day.
1.2. General Group Adherence
Parishes, shrines, Christian communities, and other groups can also express their commitment to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network by gathering specifically to pray for the Pope’s intentions and dedicating the first Fridays of the month to this purpose.
They are encouraged to inform the National Ofce of their commitment to ensure awareness and real integration into the Prayer Network, as well as to subscribe to receive updated news and materials related to this mission. If deemed appropriate and beneficial to the mission, a process for more visible adherence and celebration can be implemented17.
1.3. Charisms and Suppor t for the Prayer Network
Many religious congregations, both active and contemplative, apostolic institutes, or ecclesial movement s actively suppor t the Prayer Network. Some even sustain the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM) or promote Apostleship of Prayer Parish Groups (or League of the Sacred Hear t of Jesus) as par t of their own charism.
2. Modes of Belonging in the PWPN
The mode of belonging represent s a deeper commitment, either at a personal or community level, to the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus as lived out in the PWPN and expressed in the itinerary The Way of the Hear t. This commitment is formalized by establishing an ofcial link with the national team of the PWPN and may even take the form of a personal consecration.
17 Cf. General Regulations II, 3.5.
2.1. Personal Level
At a personal level, this involves praying the daily ofering prayer for the intentions of the Pope (and the bishop, when available) and integrating three moment s of prayer into daily life18. One way of living these moment s is: (a) in the morning with Scripture and the personal ofering of the day, (b) in the middle of the day to recalibrate our hear t s and renew our commitment for the rest of the day, (c) and at the end of the day with a personal spiritual review or examen, acknowledging our availability for the mission entrusted to us by the Lord.
This daily rhythm of prayer strengthens an intimate friendship with the Lord and helps individ uals find their personal way of collaborating with the Church’s mission, in light of the challenges reflected in the Pope’s prayer intentions. This prayer and apostolic availability are always united with Mary, our model as a disciple (Act s 1:14) and as a missionary (Lk 1:39).
For those who feel called to live in closer union with the Hear t of Jesus and wish to formalize their personal dedication, commitment, and ser vice, a Consecration to the Hear t of Jesus or “Covenant with Jesus Christ” may be proposed by their National Ofce. This consecration makes them true “apostles of prayer,” committing to ser ve their communities, parishes, schools, and other settings as members of the PWPN.
2.2. Community Level
At a group or community level, the mode of belonging can be expressed through one of the following three options:
a) Parish Groups of the Apostleship of Prayer: These groups, born from our spiritual tradition, are present in parishes and religious institutions. They have been essential to the PWPN’s mission of
18 Cf. General Regulations I, 2.2.
intercessory prayer for the Pope’s intentions and the promotion of the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus. These groups are a visible and vital par t of this mission, faithfully preser ving the spiritual treasure entrusted to us by the Lord. In many countries, they have a diocesan structure and, in some cases, internal guidelines or regulations. These guidelines help them organize and remain faithful to the mission of compassion of the PWPN, while deepening their spiritual source through The Way of the Hear t.
b) Centers of the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM): The youth proposal of the Pope’s Prayer Network has it s own organization and pedagogy tailored to children and youth. The EYM is an international Christian formation movement for children and youth, allowing them to par ticipate in this dynamic of prayer and ser vice while learning to live in the way of Jesus. It s mission, organization, and pedagogical itinerary are outlined in ofcial document s, like the EYM International Manual, and are inspired by the same spirituality as the PWPN.
c) Other PWPN Communities: Similarly, various ecclesial communities each preser ving their own charism and unique history, whether associated with a parish, a religious congregation, a school, or other institutions choose to par ticipate as active members of the PWPN in direct contact with their National Ofce. They live out the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus through the spiritual journey of The Way of the Hear t. They are marked by a shared life of prayer and a spirit of availability, regularly coming together to pray and ser ve in response to the needs of their local reality. In doing so, they contribute to the Church’s mission by addressing the challenges of humanity and the needs of the Church, as expressed in the Pope’s prayer intentions.
3. Other
Clarifications
on Community Par ticipation
The national team of the PWPN in each country will provide resources to integrate and foster par ticipation, including invitations to meetings; shared reading and prayer using The Way of the Hear t; par ticipation in First Friday activities; celebrations of Corpus Christi and the Solemnity of the Sacred Hear t; and efor t s to integrate the Pope’s prayer intentions into daily life.
Key aspect s for all groups adhering to the PWPN (including existing parish groups of the Apostleship of Prayer) involve:
a) Voluntary Adoption: Groups are invited to adopt the provided guidelines, but this is not mandatory, ensuring flexibility and respect for their autonomy.
b) Connection to the Network: The guidelines are designed to help groups remain connected to the Prayer Network at both national and global levels by par ticipating in activities at various levels (diocesan, regional, national, and international).
c) Respect for Tradition: All groups are encouraged to embrace the renewed dynamism of the PWPN while honoring their unique history and sensitivities.
d) Suppor t from National Teams: The national team will guide and suppor t groups through this integration process, tailoring proposals to their specific context and preser ving their distinct identity.
PART IV
PART IV SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION
1. Methodological Basis
1.1. A Global Common Standard
The Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM) recognizes the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable ad ult s as a global priority. Our comprehensive ofcial handbook "Policy for the Safeguarding and Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Ad ult s" (PSPMVA) was developed in response to the Pope's invitation to "ofer proposals and initiatives meant to improve the norms and proced ures for protecting children and vulnerable ad ult s" (Cf. 2015, Tutela Minorum). It provides minimum standards and best practice guidelines for directors, teams, and volunteers worldwide, establishing a unified standard of protection and care for children and young people (up to 18 years old) and vulnerable ad ult s (over 18 years old).
1.2. A Guide for Local Adaptations
The policy in this handbook, available in the five ofcial languages of the PWPN both printed and online, should be adapted to local context s and ser ve as inspiration for local document s, which should be widely distributed through various means like brochures and digital platforms. It must be implemented according to each country's national laws and Jesuit Province and/or Diocesan protocols where the PWPN operates.
1.3. Mandatory for all PWPN Leaders
All PWPN National Directors and members of the National Teams are required to sign a compliance and awareness form regarding the PSPMVA and it s equivalent at the local level (Jesuit Province and/or Diocese), following national ofce proced ures, and to adhere to the recommendations within. In addition, all EYM
personnel, (PWPN National Directors, EYM National coordinators, Center Coordinators, staf members, team leaders, and volunteers, along with par tners, contractors, and consultant s) must be familiar with and follow the three sections of this protocol.
Occasional visitors to EYM groups are not obliged to formally sign the handbook, but any interaction between them and minors or vulnerable ad ult s must be constantly super vised.
Fur thermore, it is crucial to raise awareness among minors, parent s, legal guardians, and everyone involved in ed ucational and pastoral activities.
2. Structure of the Handbook
The PSPMVA is structured into three complementary sections:
● a preventive over view focusing on abuse prevention;
● a proced ural over view outlining strategies for addressing concerns and allegations,
● a formative over view providing training to promote best practices.
Designed as a reference for all Eucharistic Youth Movement groups, the policy aims to foster a culture of care and protection.
2.1. Preventive Over view
The first section of this policy focuses on disseminating key concept s related to all forms of abuse, establishing a foundation for preventing and recognizing abusive behaviors while promoting a culture of protection and care. Understanding definitions, identifying power dynamics, and distinguishing between functional and harmful practices in relationships are essential for preventing abuse and safeguarding minors and vulnerable ad ult s at risk.
This section provides key resources for safeguarding, including definitions of abuse ( physical, sexual, psychological), preventive actions tailored to diferent risk levels, best practices to ensure transparency and avoid harmful behaviors, and guidelines for creating a Risk Map for EYM groups and national ofces. It also outlines rules for managing images and communication technologies and details a code of cond uct for the selection, training, and recruitment of EYM staf.
2.2. Proced ural Over view
This section outlines the proced ure to follow in the event of an abuse case within an EYM environment, emphasizing the need to consider both the Legal Section and Canon Law, as well as the specific laws in force in each country. It provides a detailed description of the steps to be taken, from the selection of a Designated Liaison Person to the guidelines for handling repor ted cases. In the case of the International Ofce, this person can be reached at help@popesprayer.va and our dedicated section within our website.
To this end, the section includes the Legal Section, the Canon Law Section, and the Proced ural Section, with par ticular attention to the role of the Designated Liaison Person, including their selection, characteristics, and responsibilities, as well as the guidelines for repor ted cases and the management of abuse cases involving clergy.
2.3. Formative Over view
The training section builds upon the preventive section by delving deeper into the fundamental concept s of abuse, such as the definitions of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. It also addresses risk and protective factors and provides a detailed list of evident signs that may indicate abuse.
Additionally, this section ofers practical guidance for organizing workshops aimed at training EYM staf.
Specifically, it includes:
● definitions, signs, and examples of various types of abuse, such as physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and negligence;
● an explanation of risk and protective factors, including those at the individ ual, family, and social levels;
● identification of signs and factors related to abuse, along with myths and their clarification;
● practical workshops, covering the selection of facilitators, planning, and workshop themes.
ANNEX
1. The Origins of the Apostleship of Prayer
The Apostleship of Prayer (AP) has it s root s in the intuition of Fr. François-Xavier Gautrelet SJ (1807-1886), on December 3, 1844, in Vals-près-le-Puy (France). In front of young Jesuit s in formation, passionate about distant missions but needing to focus on their studies, he proposed a new path: to be missionaries through prayer and the ofering of daily life. This spiritual intuition, formalized in 1849 in Toulouse, quickly resonated with laypeople eager to par ticipate in the missionary impetus of the time.
Fr. Henri Ramière SJ (1821-1884), Gautrelet's successor, deepened this intuition by explicitly rooting it in the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus. In 1861, he launched the "Messenger of the Heart of Jesus, " a magazine that would contribute to the global expansion of the work. A decisive turning point occurred in 1879 when Pope Leo XIII began to entrust prayer intentions to the AP each month, thus creating a worldwide network of prayer in ser vice of the Church's mission. Fr Ramière is the founder of the AP as we know it today.
This spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus, in light of St. Ignatius of Loyola' Spiritual Exercises, characterized by the daily Ofering Prayer united with the Pope's intentions expressing the challenges of the Church and the world is the spiritual foundation of our mission.
2. The Contribution of the Jesuit Superiors General
At the end of the 20th century, the Society of Jesus promoted a renewal of the spirituality of the Hear t of Jesus and the Apostleship of Prayer. A significant moment occurred on June 9,
19 Based on a text written by Fr. Frederic Fornos, SJ.
1972, when Fr. Pedro Arrupe SJ (1907-1991), Superior General, consecrated the Society to the Hear t of Christ.
In his fundamental words for understanding this renewal, Fr. Arrupe stated: "It is by living intensely the spirit of the Exercises that the commitment to live and ofer our prayer and work in union with the Heart of Christ emerges as an inevitable apostolic urgency, thus realizing an existence intimately centered on Christ and the Church. The Apostleship of Prayer has vivified and continues to vivify the priestly perspective of so many Christian lives, enabling them to be realized in the Eucharistic ofering of Christ and in the consecration of the world to God. This means the Apostolate of Prayer, which has helped the people of God so much, can today, validly renewed and adapted, provide a new and increased service."
This impetus for renewal was continued by the following Superiors General: Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach SJ (1983-2008), Fr. Adolfo Nicolás SJ (2008-2016), and currently Fr. Ar turo Sosa SJ, who have maintained the commitment to update and deepen this work in tune with the needs of contemporary Church.
3. Pope Francis Establishes the AP as a Pontifical Work
As early as 1986, Pope John Paul II had confirmed the Society of Jesus in it s mission to spread devotion to the Hear t of Christ through the Apostleship of Prayer, asking them to "find the most appropriate means to present and practice it, so that today's man, with his own mentality and sensitivity, discovers in it the true response to his questions and expectations. "
Fr. Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 2008 to 2016, promoted reflection and deepening of the spiritual tradition of the Apostleship of Prayer to initiate it s recreation. In 2014, he called Fr. Frédéric Fornos SJ to Rome to carry out this process. As the European Coordinator, he was already par t of the international team that developed the document detailing the steps of this recreation. He had been the
national director of the AP in France, where the Apostleship of Prayer was born 170 years ago, and together with a team, they began to renew this work.
From the beginning, Pope Francis suppor ted this recreation, approving the process in 2014 to emphasize that prayer is the hear t of the Church's mission. He appointed Fr. Fornos SJ as international director in 2016, with the mission of accompanying the institutional transformation of this work. In 2018, he approved the Statutes that established the Network as a Pontifical Work to underline the universal character of this mission and to mobilize Catholics through prayer and ser vice in response to the challenges of humanity and the Church's mission (Pope's prayer intentions).
With these Statutes, it was also declared that this Pontifical Work includes a youth proposal, the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), and it was established that Apostleship of Prayer Parish Groups are a modality of par ticipation in this Network, along with other forms such as Prayer Network Communities, Parishes, Shrines, and various groups, in addition to individ ual par ticipation.
In 2020, Pope Francis established the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network as a canonical and Vatican legal entity, based in the Vatican City State, for a three-year ad experimentum period. On July 1, 2024, a year dedicated to prayer, the Holy Father approved the definitive statutes of the Pontifical Work.
4. Timeline of Other Significant Event s of the PWPN
In the previous section, significant dates related to the institutional transformation of the Apostleship of Prayer were addressed, leading to the creation of the Pontifical Work. The following dates highlight the concrete development of the PWPN in recent years, reflecting it s modernization and adaptation to contemporary challenges while remaining faithful to it s original mission.
● July 11, 2014: Pope Francis approves the process of recreation of the Apostleship of Prayer, described in the document "A Journey with Jesus, in Apostolic Availability. " This document establishes the Apostleship of Prayer as his worldwide Prayer Network.
● August 4-10, 2015: Centenary of the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), with 1400 young people from 35 countries. An international meeting in Rome marks a stage in the international integration of the EYM, including an audience with Pope Francis in which the Click To Pray project is presented.
● 2016: Launch of "The Pope's Video" in January and "Click To Pray" in March, to suppor t prayer intentions d uring the Jubilee of Mercy and the process of recreating the work.
● February 2018: Publication of the first International Manual of the EYM, presenting for the first time the common spiritual foundation and pedagogy of the international EYM.
● January 2019: Pope Francis opens his personal prayer profile on Click To Pray, which becomes his third ofcial social platform. He also ofcially recognizes this platform as a prayer tool for World Youth Day.
● June 28-29, 2019: Celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Apostleship of Prayer and the 10th anniversary of it s recreation process, with an international meeting in Rome and an audience with Pope Francis, attended by delegations from 51 countries and more than 6500 people.
● May 2020: Launch of the training platform "The Way of the Hear t," which updates devotion to the Hear t of Jesus for our time. The Spanish platform ofers rich content (86 videos, 86 audios, 350 infographics, 11 digital books).
● October 19, 2021: Introd uction of Click To Pray 2.0 and the Synod prayer site, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and the International Union of Superiors Generals.
● December 27, 2023: Star t of the Jubilee of the Sacred Hear t of Jesus, marking the 350th anniversary of the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, whose spiritual director was St. Claude de la Colombiere, SJ. The Sanctuary of Paray-le-Monial joins the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.
● September 1, 2024: Bettina Raed is appointed International Vice Director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.
● January 1, 2025: Fr. Cristóbal Fones SJ becomes the International Director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network.
● July 1, 2025: Fr. Miguel Melo SJ is appointed International Vice Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
These event s mark the progressive evolution of the PWPN into a dynamic and modern organization, aligned with the spiritual needs of the 21st century. The arrival of a new executive direction team in 2024-2025 signals the beginning of a new phase for this pontifical work, prepared to face future challenges while preser ving it s spiritual legacy.
The history of the refoundation of the Apostleship of Prayer is a living testimony of how the Spirit of the Lord has guided us throughout this process, surprising our paths and challenging us not to be obstacles, but to open ourselves fully to His transforming action. This journey of recreation has not been merely a human efor t, but a response to the call of the Spirit to renew and revitalize our mission.
Team discernment and prayer have been fundamental. Through them, we have sought to listen and let ourselves be led by the Lord, trusting that He takes us where we can ser ve best in this mission of compassion for the world. This spiritual experience has been concretized in the General Regulations we now present, a document that clearly ar ticulates the identity, nature, and mission of our work, as well as it s organizational modalities.
These regulations are the mature fruit of a journey of personal and institutional conversion. They ofer us a compass to navigate the mission entrusted to us. We trust that by following this path, we will continue to live faithfully the mission entrusted to us by the Holy See, in ser vice to the challenges of humanity and the Church's mission, always united by the Hear t of Jesus.
See more information visiting popesprayer.va/resources.
