From July 24 to August 25, 2025, the International Vice-Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Bettina Raed, made a pastoral visit to the communities of Central America, sharing moments of prayer, formation, and discernment with the national teams of the Network and the Eucharistic Youth Movement.
The mission began in Panama (July 24-30), where a formation day was held with representatives from different parishes, delving into the spirituality of the Network and the importance of praying with the Pope for the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church. Catholic press media were also visited.
Subsequently, in El Salvador (July 31 to August 9), she accompanied the National Encounter of the Eucharistic Youth Movement, which brought together young people from the four centers in the country. There, they reflected on personal identity, community life, prayer, and friendship with Jesus, encouraging the participants to live their faith with greater commitment.
In Guatemala (August 10-17), the visit focused on meetings with the national team, where the mission in the country was evaluated and ways to strengthen the pastoral service were discerned. In this context, preparations began for the XIII Latin American Encounter of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which will take place in June 2026. Prayer sessions were also shared with representatives from different countries in the region.
Finally, in Costa Rica (August 18-25), the vice-director participated in a spiritual retreat for the Network and a meeting with the national team. Likewise, she held meetings with the Episcopal Conference, the Society of Jesus, and apostolic groups that collaborate with the Network, making the mission of this pontifical work known and encouraging the local community in its prayer service.
This visit allowed for a close accompaniment of the life of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network communities in Central America, strengthening the shared mission and consolidating collaborative ties between the different national teams.
