- The pontifical invitation coincides with the date that marks one year since the Hamas attack against Israel that unleashed the crisis in the Middle East
The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) announced that it will join the day of fasting and prayer for peace called by Pope Francis for October 7.
“Our Venezuelan Church joins this global cry. “All believers, groups, movements, societies, parishes, dioceses and archdioceses are invited to promote this day of fasting and prayer for countries at war and those suffering violence, in all communities,” the CEV noted.
The CEV highlighted that this pontifical invitation comes from concern about the violence suffered by several nations in the world. Furthermore, the day coincides with the start of attacks in the Middle East, following the bombings by the Islamic group Hamas against Israel recorded on October 7, 2023.
“The Pope calls on the lovers of the church, fasting and prayer, the millions of believers in the world to implore God for the gift of peace for all humanity,” highlighted the CEV in their social networks on October 6.
The Venezuelan Catholic institution also highlighted that, as Pope Francis has said, peace goes beyond the absence of wars, it is about the prevailing of “justice, respect for human dignity and the recognition of others as brother”.
“We are invited to reflect from our reality on the violence that affects our communities and families and to be promoters of peace in each of our environments,” explained the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference about the call to join the day.
Pope Francis’ call to pray for peace
Pope Francis called the day of world prayer for peace for October 7, the day on which he will go to the Basilica of Santa María Maggiore, in Rome, to beg the Virgin to end war and violence in the world. .
“An announcement of peace is especially necessary in this dramatic hour of our history, in which the winds of war continue to devastate entire towns and nations,” the pope said in his invitation to the world’s Catholics.
During the Synod (council of bishops) in October 2023, Pope Francis also called for a day of peace to call for an end to the war in Gaza (Palestine) and the conflict in Ukraine.
Pope Francis asked on October 6 to stop “the spiral of revenge” in the Middle East and respect the sovereignty of the countries in the region.
“Tomorrow will mark one year since the terrorist attack against the population in Israel, to which I renew my closeness. Let us not forget that there are still many hostages in Gaza, for whom I ask for immediate release,” said the pontiff after praying the Angelus from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
Furthermore, the Supreme Pontiff regretted that military operations continue to cause damage to the Palestinian civilian population, which is why he called for a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon, which has been attacked by Israel in its war with the Hezbollah militias. .
“Let us pray for the Lebanese, especially for the inhabitants of the south, forced to leave their villages,” Pope Francis added in his speech.
He reiterated that dialogue and peace must prevail in nations in conflict to respect the sovereignty and lives of their inhabitants.
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2024-10-06 21:56:23
