Pope invites everyone to fast and pray for peace in Syria
04 Sept. 2013:Pope Francis on Wednesday made a strong appeal again for peace in
Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world by inviting the church worldwide to
join him in fasting and prayer on Saturday, (Sept.7). The Holy Father renewed his
appeal at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope had
launched the appeal earlier on Sunday, ( 1st Sept ). Speaking
in Italian the Pope told thousands of pilgrims and tourists attending his general
audience - “Next Saturday we will live together a special day of fasting and prayer
for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and the world. I renew the invitation to the
whole Church to live intensely this day of fasting and prayer for peace. I express
gratitude to the brethren of other religions, and to all men and women of goodwill,
who wish to join in places and ways of their own, in this moment. I particularly
urge our brothers and sisters in Rome and pilgrims to participate in the prayer
vigil in St. Peter's Square Saturday at 7 p.m. to plead with the Lord for the great
gift of peace.” The Vatican has invited ambassadors accredited to the Holy See
to attend a briefing on Thursday on the Pope’s agenda for a four-hour vigil Saturday
night. Source: Sedoc