In the News 8/3/2026 - Pope Leo’s July prayer intention: Why every life is a sacred gift—and how to live it in the ordinary moments

In this episode of In the News, co-host Julie Shore sits down with Father Michael Pray (parochial vicar of Saint Francis Xavier in Gettysburg and chaplain at Gettysburg College) for a warm, practical conversation sparked by Pope Leo’s powerful prayer for the month of July. Father Pray opens by praying the Holy Father’s own words—a moving plea to recognize and protect the “unique and unrepeatable value of every human being,” to tenderly care for fragility, and to make the Church an open home where no one feels unwanted. From there the two dig into what “image and likeness of God” really means, why grace is simply divine help we receive through the sacraments, and how a culture that cheapens life needs constant reminders that all lives matter—from the womb to the tomb, in war zones, immigration crises, mental illness, and everyday loneliness. They tackle the trap of reducing people to numbers (whether casualty counts or Instagram likes), the FOMO and objectification young adults face online, and the quiet power of “ordinary time.” Practical takeaways abound: how parents can help children see themselves as infinitely loved, why a simple smile or patient word can be a sacred act, and a clear challenge for listeners—give thanks for life and help those in need, one small daily encounter at a time. Thoughtful, grounded, and free of political slogans, this episode invites you to move beyond headlines and live the Gospel of life in the places that actually matter: your family, your workplace, and the person right in front of you. Listen now and rediscover why every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.