杏MAP导航: 'May weapons fall silent, situation in Gaza is desperate'
By Francesca Merlo
鈥淭he number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate.鈥�
With these words, 杏MAP导航 Francis turned his thoughts to Palestine and Israel pleading that 鈥渆verything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.鈥�
Speaking at his weekly General Audience, the Holy Father also drew attention to the unsettling possibility of the conflict's expansion.
"The world already witnesses so many open war fronts," he lamented.
In light of these circumstances, he implored, "Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children."
"War solves no problems," he said. "It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future."
The Holy Father went on to urge all believers to take one side only: that of peace. 鈥淏ut not with words,鈥� he continued, 鈥渨ith prayer and with total dedication.鈥�
Invitation to a day of penance
In this regard, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited everyone to a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace.
On Friday, 27 October, he encouraged people of different Christian denominations, other religions, and all those who advocate for peace to participate as they see fit.
The central event will be an hour of prayer at 6 PM in St. Peter's Square, with the goal of invoking peace for the world.
"I invite all the particular Churches to take part by organizing similar initiatives which involve the people of God," he concluded.
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