(OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV turns 70 on Sept. 14, and OSV News is inviting Catholics worldwide to join in a special “spiritual birthday bouquet” for the Holy Father. Everyone can participate.
In partnership with Pray More Novenas, Relevant Radio, the Daughters of St. Paul, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pontifical Mission Societies, 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 — and his first as pope.
The initiative, called Pizza and Prayer, invites Catholics to offer everything from novenas and rosaries to Holy Hours. Each offering will be collected and presented to Pope Leo in a spiritual bouquet card. The celebration also encourages participants to share a meal afterward — especially pizza, one of the Chicago native’s favorites.
“Pope Leo carries one of the most challenging responsibilities in the world. Surrounding him with prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give him,” said Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News.
Partners across the country, including Relevant Radio and the Daughters of St. Paul, are pledging thousands of rosaries and prayers. To add your prayer offering, click on the English or Spanish links below.
Happy birthday, Pope Leo. You are in our prayers.
Spiritual Birthday Bouquet for the Holy Father in English: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8428585/479bd477a4b7
Spiritual Birthday Bouquet for the Holy Father in Spanish: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8455701/a2285f2a3a7d
What Is a Spiritual Bouquet?
A spiritual bouquet is a traditional Catholic gift made up of prayers, sacrifices, or devotions offered for a specific intention or person. The practice dates back centuries, with St. Thérèse of Lisieux famously creating one by pairing flowers with short prayers for a fellow nun.
Bouquets may include rosaries, novenas, Masses, or simple daily prayers, often recorded on a card or shared collectively. They are usually given on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or in times of hardship.
At their heart, spiritual bouquets are a reminder of the communion of saints — the faithful lifting one another up through intercessory prayer.
