Pope Francis Calls Prayer a Fundamental Human Dimension

On 5 August, Pope Francis addressed about 5,000 faithful in St. Peter's Basilica, delivering the first post‑summer catechesis of the year. He stressed that prayer is not a mere psychological technique or an escape from modern life, but “a fundamental dimension of our humanity” that deserves to be rediscovered in its truth.

The Pope warned that in a consumer‑driven, efficiency‑focused world many families no longer transmit the practice of prayer, and he urged a revival of the Liturgia delle Ore and active participation in the Church’s liturgy. He cited the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution *Sacrosanctum Concilium* and the teachings of Pope Paul VI, reminding listeners that “God first; prayer our primary obligation; liturgy the source of divine life.”

His remarks aim to encourage Catholics worldwide to integrate public prayer more fully into daily life and to view liturgical prayer as the school of spiritual growth.