With a quiet and serious atmosphere in St. Peter's Basilica, hundreds gathered to pray with Pope Francis for peace between Israel and the Hamas.
The Pope named October 27 as one of prayer, fasting and penance. He closed the day with a prayer vigil with the faithful including a rosary and Eucharistic adoration. The Pope also used the occasion to ask for Mary's intercession in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
POPE FRANCIS
Intercede for our world, in such turmoil and great danger. Teach us to cherish and care for life–each and every human life–and to reject the evil of war, which sows death and eliminates the future.
He specifically asked for Mary to bring peace and strength to all who are victims of war in any way.
POPE FRANCIS
Touch the hearts of those imprisoned by hatred; convert those who fuel and foment conflict. Dry the tears of children, this hour they cry so much. Be present to those who are elderly and alone; strengthen the wounded and the sick; protect those forced to leave their lands and their loved ones; console the crestfallen; awaken new hope.
After the Pope's message, the Basilica was filled with the Eucharistic song “Ostia Divina” as the audience continued to pray for peace in the Middle East.
AT
