Pope Leo XIV calls for water as a universal right

Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his September prayer intention to the care of water, describing it as a universal gift and a “right without borders.” Marking the beginning of the Season of Creation, the Pontiff called on the faithful and people of goodwill to manage this vital resource with gratitude, justice, and responsibility.

In his message, the Pope expressed sorrow over the commodification of water and the suffering of those who lack access to clean supplies. He highlighted the reality of millions who must travel long distances to find water or who fall ill due to scarcity. He urged humanity to become “pilgrims of the essential,” living with sobriety to denounce waste and contamination while defending the right of every person to drink without fear or inequality.

The appeal aligns with recent international data from the WHO and UNICEF, which indicates that 2.1 billion people continue to lack safe access to drinking water.