Pope calls for world day of prayer for peace as catastrophe looms in Gaza October 18, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Crisis in Israel, Feature, News, Vatican, World News En Español VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. He urged all people of faith to take “just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words, with prayer, with total dedication.” For this reason, he said, he has decided to call for a day of fasting, prayer and penance Oct. 27. The pope invited men and women of every Christian denomination and other religions as well as those committed to the cause of peace to participate in any way they feel is appropriate. There will be an hour of prayer starting at 6 p.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s “imploring for peace in the world,” he said, and local churches are invited to organize similar initiatives. Read More Crisis in Israel Pope calls for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, laments plight of children in war in CBS interview Foreign aid deal passes House after months of negotiations Experts: U.S. officials must aim to prevent ‘tit-for-tat’ escalation between Israel, Iran Stop war from spreading throughout Middle East, pope says in message Cardinal Dolan, delegation continue CNEWA visit in Israel and Palestine, following Iran’s attack Pope pleads for military restraint in the Middle East Copyright © 2023 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print