Holy Father calls for day of prayer and fasting for peace

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Monday, 7 October, the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

“In this dramatic hour of our history”, the Pope said, “while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations”, the Christian community is reminded of its call to “put itself at the service of humanity”. The Pope was speaking after Mass in Saint Peter’s Square for the Opening of the Second Session of the General Assembly of the Synod. He invited all Synod members to accompany him on a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on 6 October, the day before the anniversary, where he will “address a heartfelt petition to the Virgin” for peace.

“Let us walk together”, the Holy Father urged. “Let us listen to the Lord. And let us be led by the breeze of the Spirit”.