Benedict XVI’s general prayer intention for December is: “That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help”.

His mission intention is: “That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel of peace, brotherhood and justice”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for November is: “That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our saving God strength for a radical life-change”.

His mission intention is: “That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for October is: “That Catholic universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason”.

His mission intention is: “That World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for September is: “That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress”.

His mission intention is: “That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for August is: “That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties”.

His mission intention is: “That the Church may be a ‘home’ for all people, ready to open her doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for July is: “That in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens”.

His mission intention is: “That Christians may strive to offer everywhere, but especially in great urban centres, an effective contribution to the promotion of education, justice, solidarity and peace”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for June is: “That every national and trans-national institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death”.

His mission intention is: “That the Churches in Asia, which constitute a ‘little flock’ among non-Christina populations, may know how to communicate the Gospel and give joyful witness to their adherence to Christ”.

Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for May is: “That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended”.

His mission intention is: “That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care”.