On March 15, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the feast of the Annunciation. The Pope subsequently asked all bishops to join in the consecration.

On March 20, Pope Francis extended the invitation even more widely. “I invite every community and all the faithful,” he said, “to unite with me on Friday 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, for the Solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, so that she, the Queen of Peace, may help us obtain peace.”