Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting in the light of the on-going war in Israel and Palestine.
At a Papal audience last week, he urged Christians of all denominations to set aside time today (Friday, October 27) to pray for peace in the region.
He said: “The possible widening of the conflict is disturbing, while so many war fronts are already open in the world.
“May weapons fall silent. Let us heed the cry for peace of populations, of the people, of the children.
“Brothers and sisters, war does not solve any problem: it sows only death and destruction, foments hate and proliferates revenge.
“War cancels out the future. I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words — with prayer, with total dedication.”
Pope Francis’s appeal comes after thousands have been killed in Israel and Palestine over the past few weeks.
Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit Missions, has reiterated the Holy Father’s call for peace.
He said: “Like many others, I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Israel and Palestine.
“The Jesuit Missions team will join Pope Francis in prayer and fasting for those affected by war wherever it may be across the world.”
Image: Unsplash/David Tomaseti
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