The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is following the lead of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in calling for Catholics to pray and fast on Friday in response to the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization. 

Friday was chosen as the day because it is the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima.

"In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the Rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima," the diocese posted on Facebook this week. "As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us."

The USCCB issued a release announcing its call for prayer and fasting, noting that abortion advocates have threatened to disrupt church services and intimidate certain Supreme Court justices ahead of the official handing down of the high court’s abortion decision. 

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB; and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, listed their prayer intentions for the day: "For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death; for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court's final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson; for the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion; for a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for, where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened, and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society; for Our Blessed Mother's intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life."

The Catholic Church deeply opposes abortion and has for centuries, citing the Catechism as its basis. 

"Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion," the USCCB said. "This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law (No. 2271)." 

The Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated on May 13, a report from Franciscan Media said. In 1917, Mary appeared before three children in Fatima, north of Lisbon, and instructed them to pray a rosary for the end of World War I, world peace, the conversion of Russia and its dedication to Her Immaculate Heart, and for sinners.