Pope Leo XIV dedicated his prayer intention for September to promoting a more responsible relationship with water and advocating for equitable access to it, reminding us that water is an essential resource and a right that must be available to everyone.
The Bishop of Rome’s initiative is part of the 2026 Season of Creation, which this year invites reflection on water under the theme “Living Water,” from September 1 to October 4. The call aims to bring about concrete changes in response to water pollution, waste, and unequal distribution.
The message is being shared through “Pray with the Pope,” an initiative of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network that aims to make the protection of water and the plight of those who face the greatest difficulties in accessing it the focus of the month.
A good that sustains life
From the perspective of the Christian faith, water transcends its natural dimension and takes on a profound spiritual meaning as a symbol of life, renewal, and hope. This dimension is particularly evident in Baptism and at various moments in the liturgy.
The message thus raises an issue that goes beyond environmental protection: who has access to water and under what conditions. Pollution of water sources and water scarcity exacerbate inequalities that affect the poorest populations the most. That is why the message emphasizes: “Water is a gift, not a possession. It is a source of life, not an instrument of power.”
Pope Leo XIV’s message resonates with one of the concerns expressed by Pope Francis in *Laudato si’*: ensuring access to safe drinking water is a human rights issue that takes on particular urgency in the most impoverished communities.
A call against waste and exclusion
Rather than speaking of water as an environmental problem, Leo XIV calls on us to look to those who suffer from its absence. The Pope recalls the people who “walk kilometers to find it” and fall ill because of its scarcity, and calls for the defense of their right “to drink without fear, without inequality.”
The Bishop of Rome’s call emphasizes that protecting water does not depend solely on major decisions. It also involves reevaluating daily habits, reducing waste, and fostering a culture that values and protects this resource.
The pollution of water sources and the deterioration of rivers and aquifers show that the problem cannot be addressed solely through personal decisions. The Pope calls for strengthening a shared responsibility that is grounded in solidarity.
Prayer, sobriety, and commitment
The Pontiff’s proposal seeks to extend concern for water from the realm of prayer to everyday decisions. The Pope urges us to live as “pilgrims of the essential,” with greater moderation and a critical attitude toward waste.
The message thus sets forth a task that extends beyond September: learning to care for water as a common good and defending access to it for those who need it most. The booklet sums up this perspective in one sentence: “May our care for water be a sign of love for the Creator.”
Photo: AQM Laboratories
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