The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is participating in a Novena to Christ the King over the nine days leading up to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which fell on Nov. 21.

"On the fourth day of the Novena to Christ the King, we pray governments respect the consciences of all people who care for the sick and vulnerable.
 Prayer to Christ the King
 Lord, Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King
 The beginning and the end of all things,
 You have made your Church to be a people
 that bears witness to the goodness and beauty of your kingdom.
 By your Holy Spirit, you have united us as one body,
 called to live as one family of God.
 Fill our hearts with your grace,
 that we would be close to you
 by being close to the vulnerable and marginalized.
 Give us the patience to share one another's burdens,

And give us the courage to always be friends of the truth.
 May we remain with you always.
 Amen," the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee wrote in a Facebook post.

The Solemnity of Christ the King is celebrated each year on the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar. It was established by Pope Pius XI in the 1920s. After World War I ended, much of Europe was in shambles. The stability of monarchies was crumbling, and as people suffered from economic disaster, unemployment and starvation, they gravitated toward the messages of dictators. Pope Pius XI sought to remind Catholics that although countries' governments will rise and fall, the reign of Christ is forever.

The holy day is also known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

2021 marks the fifth celebration of World Day of the Poor. Pope Francis encourages Catholics to "go out" and encounter impoverished people in their communities. He met with 500 poor people from across Europe on Nov. 12 to pray with them and listen to them.