Worldwide Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace
Friday 16th February 2018Pope Francis has invited Christians, members of all faiths, women and men of goodwill to join him in praying for an end to violence and conflict, especially in South Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Worldwide Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace will take place on 23 February.
The Holy Father made the call during his weekly blessing in St. Peter’s Square, he said he was making the appeal because of the “tragic prolonging” of conflicts around the world.
Friday 23rd February, falls during the first full week of Lent, when fasting from food and extra acts of charity are encouraged as a sign of penitence.
Pope Francis specifically asked members of other faiths to join in the initiative in any way they can. He highlighted the vital role that religions play in achieving and consolidating peace and urged members of other faith communities to take up the appeal and to join in “moments of prayer, fasting and reflection, according to their own traditions and in their own places of worship”.
No to violence
The Pope added: “Everyone, in their own conscience, before God, should ask: What can I do for peace? We certainly can pray, but not only: each one of us can say concretely “no” to violence in their own way. Because the victories obtained with violence are false victories while working for peace does everyone good!”
