Utah Catholics Gather to Pray for Migrant Safety and Middle East Peace

Bishop Oscar Solis calls for unity in prayer across the diocese

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:48am

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A serene, painterly scene of people gathered in prayer outside a cathedral, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.A community united in prayer, seeking peace and safety for all in a time of global unrest.Salt Lake City Today

Utahns gathered at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City to participate in a prayer vigil for peace in the Middle East and the safety of migrants in the United States, following a directive from Bishop Oscar Solis of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. The group prayed the Rosary together, walking around the plaza, as a symbol of unity and solidarity with the Pope's call for Christians to be more cognizant of global issues.

Why it matters

The prayer vigil reflects the Catholic Church's longstanding commitment to peace and concern for the wellbeing of migrants and refugees, issues that have taken on heightened importance amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and continued debates over immigration policies in the U.S.

The details

Bishop Solis urged all parishes in the diocese to include petitions for peace and migrant safety in their Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses over the weekend. Father Christopher Gray, Rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, said the Rosary prayer allowed participants to 'personally, interiorly align ourselves with the divine' and work towards the 'one goal, which is peace.'

  • The prayer vigil took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026, coinciding with a Rosary Vigil held by Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

The players

Bishop Oscar Solis

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City who released a memorandum urging all Utah Catholics to unite in the prayer vigil.

Father Christopher Gray

The Rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, who led the prayer vigil and spoke about the importance of prayer in aligning oneself with the divine and working towards peace.

Ron Yengich

A parishioner at the Cathedral of the Madeleine who participated in the prayer vigil as a symbol of the Pope's call for Christians to be more aware of global problems and work for peace.

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What they’re saying

“'So often, the complicated things in the world, plus around the world conflicts that are occurring far away or even close at home, are way bigger and more complicated than any of us can really deal with. Prayer, which is heard by god, which is given to heaven, also is a way in which we personally, interiorly align ourselves with the divine.'”

— Father Christopher Gray, Rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine

“'Our faith is that war is wrong. I think that these Popes have been firm in the idea that if you call yourself a Christian... their role is peace, it isn't war.'”

— Ron Yengich, Parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine

“'I promise, no matter where you are in the world, someone is always praying.'”

— Father Christopher Gray, Rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine

What’s next

Bishop Solis has directed all parishes in the diocese to include petitions for peace and the safety and well-being of migrants in the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses this weekend.

The takeaway

This prayer vigil demonstrates the Catholic Church's ongoing commitment to promoting peace and supporting migrants and refugees, even in the face of complex global conflicts. By uniting in prayer, the community is aligning itself with the divine and working towards the common goal of peace on earth.