At the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage, the Archdiocese of Mexico reminded fans that prayer is “the path to unite the world.”

In an editorial from the June 28 edition of its weekly publication, Desde la Fe (From a Faith Perspective), the Archdiocese of Mexico stated that seeing “rival players praying together at the end of matches” during the World Cup, the most-watched sports event in the world, has provided “the most moving and hopeful scenes of the tournament.”

The Mexican capital’s archdiocese emphasized that “strengthening unity is one of the greatest gifts of prayer,” which “allows us to discover that beyond our differences, we share the same fragility, the same hopes, and the same need for God.”

“Furthermore, it creates a communion that does not depend on physical proximity or a coincidence of circumstances,” the editorial noted.

In this regard, the Archdiocese of Mexico recalled the suffering of the Venezuelan people, shaken last week by powerful earthquakes that have left at least 1,450 dead and thousands injured.

“When tragedy strikes a community, prayer takes on a special meaning,” the archdiocese emphasized, noting that while it “does not replace material aid or the work of those risking their lives in rescue efforts,” it brings solace and reminds those suffering the tragedy “that you’re not alone.”

“Prayer does not always immediately change circumstances, but it transforms the heart of the person who places himself in God’s hands, causing hope to flourish, even in places where many might think God is absent,” the archdiocese stated.

The Archdiocese of Mexico emphasized that “when millions of people see rival players praying together at the end of a match, they are witnessing a reminder that prayer has the power to unite those whom the world insists on keeping apart.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.