Vatican City — As Lent begins, Europe’s Catholic bishops are once again joining forces in prayer for peace and for the victims of war through a continent-wide initiative known as the “Eucharistic Chain.”
Organized by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), the initiative brings together national Bishops’ Conferences across Europe in a coordinated series of Masses offered throughout the Lenten season.
From Ash Wednesday until the end of Lent, each member conference will celebrate at least one Eucharist specifically dedicated to praying for those affected by war and for what the bishops describe as an “unarmed and disarming peace.”
A Chain of Communion and Hope
In a statement, the CCEE said the Church in Europe seeks to gather “around the Eucharistic table” to implore the Lord for peace.
Now a regular Lenten tradition, the “Eucharistic Chain” is intended as a visible sign of ecclesial communion, linking local Churches across the continent in continuous prayer.
Special intentions this year include prayers for Ukraine, the Holy Land and all regions suffering from violence and armed conflict.
Echoing the Pope’s Call
The bishops also recalled the words of Pope Leo XIV in his Message for the 59th World Day of Peace.
“Let us open ourselves to peace,” the Pope urged. “Let us welcome it and recognize it, rather than believing it to be impossible and beyond our reach. Peace is more than just a goal; it is a presence and a journey.”
Lent Begins in Rome
On Ash Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV will preside at the traditional afternoon Mass in the Basilica of Saint Sabina on Rome’s Aventine Hill.
The liturgy will be preceded by the customary Statio and penitential procession beginning at the nearby Church of Saint Anselmo.
The Holy Father will also take part in the annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises with the Roman Curia from February 22–27 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
As Europe continues to confront the consequences of war both within and beyond its borders, the bishops’ initiative seeks to make prayer itself a form of solidarity — a spiritual chain linking communities in a shared appeal for reconciliation and lasting peace.