(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Syria and throughout
the world on Wednesday, once again inviting Christians of every denomination, believers
of every religious tradition and all people of good will to take part in the worldwide
fast and vigil of prayer and penance for peace, which he has called for September
7th, the vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, whom we venerate
as Queen of Peace. First announced at the Sunday Angelus at the start of the week,
many local Churches have already organized their own initiatives to mark the day.
The Holy Father especially urged the faithful of Rome and pilgrims to the city to
participate in the prayer vigil to be held in St. Peter's Square starting at 7 PM
Rome Time and continuing until midnight. The Holy Father concluded, “May a powerful
cry for peace go up from every land!” Listen to our report:
Below,
please find Vatican Radio’s translation of the full text of Pope Francis’ appeal.
This
coming Saturday we will live together a special day of fasting and prayer for peace
in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world. I renew the invitation to the
whole Church to live this day intensely, and even now I express gratitude to the other
Christian brethren, to the brethren of other religions and to the men and women of
good will who desire to join in this initiative, in places and ways of their own.
I especially urge the Roman faithful and pilgrims to participate in the prayer vigil
here in St. Peter's Square at 19.00, in order to ask the Lord for the great gift of
peace. May a powerful cry for peace go up from every land!