September 10, 2025

Grab a slice and pray for the pope

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – Pope Leo XIV turns 70 years old this Sunday Sept. 14. In celebration of his first birthday as pope, the Diocese of Springfield is joining with Our Sunday Visitor (OSV News) and other Catholic organizations across the globe in gathering prayers for the pontiff to offer him a “spiritual bouquet.”

Nothing says birthday quite like a pizza party in the U.S.A.! So we’re encouraging you to organize one to celebrate Pope Leo’s 70th! Whether it’s from your favorite local pizzeria or @aureliospizza in Homewood, IL (where Pope Leo enjoyed a slice just months before becoming pope!), get some pizza and be sure to help grow the spiritual bouquet by adding prayer to your celebration!

In partnership with Pray More Novenas; Relevant Radio; the Daughters of St. Paul; the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; The Pontifical Mission Societies, USA; Sing the Hours and more, OSV News is encouraging an outpouring of prayer for Pope Leo and his intentions leading up to his milestone birthday.

Everyone can participate.

Called “Pizza and Prayer,” the spiritual bouquet will be made up of a variety of prayer options from a full novena to a holy hour to a rosary. Each prayer effort will be noted, collated and sent to the pope.

OSV News is also encouraging participants, when possible, to pray together and then grab a slice of pizza in honor of one of the Chicago native’s favorite treats.

The name of every person and organization who participates in this spiritual bouquet will be included on the card OSV News will send to the Vatican. 

Add your prayer intentions for Pope Leo through this link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8428585/479bd477a4b7