Warning against a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and ongoing conflicts elsewhere, Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in the world Oct. 27.
“War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he said at the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 18.
“Our thoughts go to Palestine and Israel,” he said to applause. “Casualties are rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate,” he said. “Please, may everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”
What is also “disturbing,” he said, is the possibility the conflict will spread just as so many other battles of war are being waged in the world. “Please,” he said, “let us continue to pray for peace in the world, especially in tormented Ukraine,” a tragedy that is no longer talked about but continues. “Silence the weapons. Listen to the cry of the poor, the people, the children, for peace,” the pope said.
