In this year of prayer, Pope Francis approved the final statutes of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which he signed on July 1, 2024.

In 2018, Pope Francis had already approved the Statutes which instituted the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer, Eucharistic Youth Movement, and other forms of participation) as a pontifical work, to emphasize the universal character of this mission and mobilize Catholics through prayer and action in response to the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church (Pope’s prayer intentions).

These Statutes declared that this Pontifical Work had a youth branch, the Eucharistic Youth Movement, and established that the Centers of the Apostleship of Prayer were one of the forms of participation in this Network, along with other forms. Namely, the Communities of the Prayer Network, Parishes, Shrines and other groups or individual participation.

In 2020, the Vatican Foundation “Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network” was established by Pope Francis  as a canonical and Vatican legal entity, headquartered in the Vatican City State. The initial Statutes were approved ad experimentum for 3 years, to evaluate and make adjustments if necessary.

And this week, after a 7-year process, Pope Francis approved the final statutes of the Pontifical Work.

What changes with these new definitive Statutes?

  • Duration of Terms and Organization of the Work: The term of the international director and the members of the Board of Directors of the Vatican Foundation has been extended from 3 to 5 renewable years. This change is important to ensure the continuity of the mission.
  • Clarity in the Administration of Assets: National offices operate under the legal structure of the Society of Jesus or a civil structure in their respective countries. Each office has its own legal and financial structure, independent of the Vatican Foundation. However, national teams depend on the pastoral guidance of the international office, as national directors and/or coordinators are appointed by the international director.
  • Growth and Support: The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has grown significantly in recent years. Therefore, the new Statutes establish that two vice directors will assist the international director in his mission. These vice directors will be appointed by the Secretariat of State, at the proposal of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

We give thanks to the Lord for His presence and support in this mission of compassion for the world that He has entrusted to us.

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