Pope Francis called this Friday for peace in the Middle East in order to reconcile those “blinded by power and hatred.” The Supreme Pontiff offered a prayer to St. Peter’s Basilica for ending conflicts around the world.
Joined by cardinals, bishops, and representatives of other faiths, Francis framed his prayer “in these times plagued by conflict and destroyed by weapons,” at a time when “the human family is lost on the path of peace.”
“Pray for our world of danger and confusion. Teach us to welcome and care for life—all human life!—and to reject the madness of war, which sows death and destroys the future,” the Pope asked the Virgin during the so-called event. after starting a new spiral of violence between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.
“Move the hearts of those trapped in hatred; turn away those who fuel and promote conflicts,” added the highest authority of the Catholic Church.
Francis, representing the Holy See, demanded that hostages kidnapped by Hamas be released and that Israel stop attacking civilians in Gaza, though the death toll is still difficult to determine.
“Wipe the tears of children, help the lonely and old, support the wounded and sick, protect those who have to leave their land and their loved ones, comfort the discouraged, and restore hope,” he asked. spoke within the framework of the day of “prayer and fasting.”
“You, who are close to each other, shorten our gaps of separation. You, who have compassion for all, teach us to care for others. You, who reveal the tenderness of the Lord, make us witnesses to her joy. “The queen of peace pours the harmony of God into hearts,” concluded Francis.
This Friday’s prayer recalls the day of prayer led by Francis on September 7, 2013 for peace “in the beloved country of Syria, in the Middle East, and in the whole world!” he stated at the time.
