Baltimore Archbishop to Lead Vigil for Peace Amid Iran War

Archbishop William Lori calls for prayer and solidarity as US and Iran negotiate to end conflict.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit cathedral interior with a single figure kneeling in prayer, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solemnity and contemplation in the face of global conflict.As tensions escalate globally, a Baltimore cathedral becomes a sanctuary for prayer and reflection on the path to peace.Baltimore Today

As the United States and Iran hold talks in Pakistan to try to end the ongoing war, Baltimore Archbishop William Lori will lead a vigil for peace at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in North Baltimore. Lori has called on all parishes in the Archdiocese to host their own vigils in solidarity with the Pope's global call for prayer.

Why it matters

The war in Iran has caused immense global concern and suffering, prompting religious leaders like the Pope and Archbishop Lori to mobilize their communities to pray for peace and an end to the conflict. Baltimore's vigil is part of a broader effort by the Catholic Church to use spiritual means to influence the diplomatic process.

The details

Archbishop Lori's vigil will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, following a 5 p.m. Mass. In his statement, Lori emphasized the Church's role as a 'sign and instrument of Christ's peace' and urged all parishes in the Archdiocese to host their own vigils in solidarity with the Pope's global call for prayer.

  • The vigil will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • It will follow a 5 p.m. Mass on the same day.

The players

Archbishop William Lori

The Archbishop of Baltimore who will be leading the vigil for peace amid the Iran war.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who has called for a global vigil for peace in response to the Iran war.

US Vice President JD Vance

The US Vice President who is meeting with Iranian officials in Pakistan to try to end the ongoing war.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In this moment of profound worldwide concern, I join my brother bishops in affirming the call issued by Archbishop Coakley, who has echoed with clarity and urgency the call of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for peace in this moment of grave global tension.”

— Archbishop William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore

“Yet as people of faith, we also know that peace is not achieved by diplomacy alone. As the Holy Father has preached so powerfully in these sacred days of Easter, true peace is born in the human heart – transformed by the Risen Christ, who greets His disciples with the words, 'Peace be with you.'”

— Archbishop William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore

What’s next

The vigil led by Archbishop Lori is part of a broader effort by the Catholic Church to use spiritual means to influence the diplomatic process and end the war in Iran. The Pope has also called for a global vigil for peace to be held on the same day.

The takeaway

As the war in Iran continues to cause global concern and suffering, religious leaders like Archbishop Lori are mobilizing their communities to pray for peace and an end to the conflict. The Catholic Church is using spiritual means to complement the diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.