Pope Francis Calls for World Day of Prayer
"Silence the weapons. Listen to the cry for peace."
Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance, and prayer for peace in the world Oct. 27.
“War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he said at the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 18.
“Casualties are rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate,” he said. “Please, may everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.” What is also “disturbing,” he said, is the possibility the conflict will spread just as so many other battles of war are being waged in the world.
“Please,” he said, “let us continue to pray for peace in the world, especially in tormented Ukraine,” a tragedy that is no longer talked about but continues.
“Silence the weapons. Listen to the cry of the poor, the people, the children, for peace,” the pope said.
He urged all people of faith to take “just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words, with prayer, with total dedication.”
For this reason, the Holy Father called for a day of fasting, prayer and penance Oct. 27 when there will be an hour of prayer starting at 6 p.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s “imploring for peace in the world.” Local churches are invited to organize similar initiatives.
(Source: Catholic Review. Photo: Missio)
