Prayer for Protection From Terrorism
O almighty and merciful God, Lord of the universe
and of history. All that You have created is good
and your compassion for the mistakes of mankind
knows no limits. We come to You today to ask You
to keep in peace the world and its people, to keep
far away from the devastating wave of terrorism,
to restore friendship and instill in the hearts of Your
creatures the gift of trust and of readiness to forgive.
O Giver of life, we pray to You also for all those who
have died as victims of brutal terrorist attacks. Grant
them their eternal reward. May they intercede for the
world that is torn apart by conflicts and disagreements.
O Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray to You for the ones
who have been wounded in these acts of violence:
children and young people, old people and innocent people
accidentally involved in evil. Heal their bodies and hearts;
console them with Your strength and, at the same time,
take away any hatred and a desire for revenge.
Holy Spirit, Consoler, visit the families of the victims
of terrorism, families that suffer through no fault of their own.
Wrap them in the mantle of Your divine mercy. Make them find
again in You and in themselves the strength and courage
to continue to be brothers and sisters for others, giving
witness to Your love by their lives.
Touch the hearts of terrorists so that they may recognize
the evil of their actions and may turn to the way of peace and
goodness, of respect for the life and for the dignity of every
human being, regardless of religion, origin, wealth, or poverty.
O God, Eternal Father, in Your mercy hear our prayer which we
raise up to You amidst the deafening noise and desperation
of the world. We turn to You with great hope, full of trust in
Your infinite Mercy. We entrust ourselves to the intercession
of Your Most Holy Mother. We ask for the gift of peace and of
the elimination from our midst of the sore of terrorism.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted prayer of Holy Father, Pope Francis, offered
in the Basilica of St. Francis, Kraków, July 30, 2016.)