The Litany of Humility is most often attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, a prominent collaborator of Pope Pius X. As Secretary of State of the Holy See and a man of deep prayer, he composed or at least popularized the Litany of Humility, praying it daily after Mass, especially after retiring from public duties. Some traditions suggest that earlier mystical writings, such as those by Thomas à Kempis (author of “The Imitation of Christ”), inspired the text, but it was Cardinal del Val who became its most recognized advocate.
At the heart of the Litany is Jesus’ call for us to become “meek and humble of heart.” This is no accident—humility is the virtue Jesus places at the center. In the Gospel of Matthew: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). These words are not just a reminder of God’s order of things, but a challenge to every Christian.
The Litany of Humility isn’t a simple request for a peaceful day. It’s a daring series of acts of trust in which we ask God to free us from the desire to be respected, loved, singled out, or praised. Simultaneously, we ask that others may be more appreciated, loved, and exalted than ourselves. This prayer requires courage—for who among us naturally desires to be forgotten, pushed aside, or misunderstood?
Cardinal Merry del Val not only recited this prayer, but lived its spirit. In one letter, he wrote: “I desire nothing more than to be entirely devoted to Christ—even if that means being unnoticed by the world.” His attitude was a witness that humility is not a sign of weakness, but of great spiritual strength.
It is said that when Merry del Val was unjustly accused of a mistake in a papal document, he accepted it without protest. Instead of defending his name, he prayed: “From the desire of being justified—deliver me, Jesus.” His colleagues later recalled that it was precisely in moments of humiliation that the cardinal’s true greatness was revealed.
The Litany of Humility can be prayed individually or communally. Many faithful turn to it especially in difficult moments—when faced with unfair criticism, misunderstanding, or a sense of rejection. This prayer helps heal the heart, frees us from fears, and teaches us to surrender to God even when the path seems impossible.
As St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us, holiness means total trust in God and embracing His will. The Litany of Humility is a tool that helps us exercise this attitude daily. It’s a prayer that doesn’t change the outside world—but it changes our hearts.
In times when social media urge us to self-promote and fight for attention, the Litany of Humility is like a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that true worth doesn’t come from “likes,” but from the depth of our relationship with God. The words of this prayer hold the power to transform our lives from superficial to authentic.
Text of the Litany of Humility
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
The Litany of Humility is not an easy prayer—but that is precisely why it is so needed. In it lies the power to grow in holiness, learn true freedom, and open the heart to God’s grace. May it become a daily practice for everyone who seeks to live in truth and love.
We encourage you to add the Litany of Humility to your daily prayers and see how deeply it can change your heart.
