Pope Francis Calls for October 7 Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace

Vatican, October 4, 2024: Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace on October 7, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. He made this appeal to the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of offering their service to humanity in this time of widespread conflict and violence.

Speaking after Mass in St. Peter’s Square during the opening of the second session of the General Assembly of the Synod, Pope Francis underscored the urgency of the current situation, stating, “In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” Christians are reminded of their role in fostering peace and supporting humanity.

The Pope also invited synod members to join him on October 6 for a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he plans to offer a heartfelt petition to the Virgin Mary for peace. “Let us walk together,” he urged. “Let us listen to the Lord. And let us be led by the breeze of the Spirit.”

Days of fasting and prayer for war-torn regions have been a hallmark of Pope Francis' pontificate. Just months after his election in 2013, he gathered thousands in St. Peter's Square to pray for peace in Syria. He has since called for similar observances in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Afghanistan and during the war in Ukraine, demonstrating his consistent commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation.

Courtesy: Vatican News