Day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis has invited everyone to take part in a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace on Friday, 27 October. Appealing to people of different Christian denominations, other religions, and all those who advocate for peace, the central event will be an hour of prayer at 5pm, UK time, in St Peter's Square, with the goal of invoking peace for the world. The Pope also asked churches around the world to also organise similar initiatives throughout the day.

Addressing pilgrims during the General Audience on 18 October, Pope Francis expressed his grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling all parties to lay down their weapons. "The number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate," he said.

(As of 26 October, the UN reports that more 6,000 civilians have been killed by airstrikes in Gaza - 1,110 women and 2,000 children. Over 15,000 people have been injured.)

Pope Francis appealed that "everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe" mentioning the unsettling possibility of the conflict's expansion. "The world already witnesses so many open war fronts," he lamented. "Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children."

"War solves no problems," he said. "It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future."

The Holy Father went on to urge all believers to take one side only: that of peace. "But not with words," he said, "with prayer and with total dedication."

Friday's prayers from St Peter's Square will be televised on Vatican Media and other stations.