In response to Pope Francis' call for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the Middle East, faith leaders have come together to support this initiative. Pope Francis, recognizing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has urged all devout Christians to observe a day of fasting and prayer for peace on Friday, October 27. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, echoed this call in a letter to the diocese, which encompasses parishes in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus.
Cardinal Pizzaballa described the past two weeks as "one of the most difficult and painful periods in our recent history." The unceasing stream of distressing images has resurfaced ancient traumas, inflicted fresh wounds, and ignited pain, frustration, and anger within all of us.
Highlighting the global perception of the Holy Land as a perpetual source of conflict, Cardinal Pizzaballa praised the international community's response to the previous call for a day of prayer and fasting for peace on October 17. With Pope Francis now calling for another day of prayer and fasting, Pizzaballa expressed the conviction with which it would be observed. He emphasized that prayer, penance, and intercession are the primary actions Christians can take during this trying time and extended heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Father for this initiative.
In Pope Francis' own words during his October 18 general audience, "I have decided to call for a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, October 27, a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of various Christian denominations, those from other religions, and all individuals who hold the cause of global peace close to their hearts."
Furthermore, Pope Francis announced an "hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, peace in this world," to be held on the evening of October 27 at St. Peter's Basilica. He urged all particular churches to organize similar events involving their congregations. Pope Francis described the situation in Gaza as "desperate" and passionately called for every possible effort to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
In a resounding statement against war, Pope Francis emphasized that war does not resolve any issues; instead, it brings death and destruction, fuels hatred, and propagates revenge. He implored believers to take a clear stance for peace, not just in words but through dedicated prayer.
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