Protesters carry a banner during a rally outside the White House in Washington Aug. 29. As speculation mounted about Western air strikes on Syria, a U.S. bishops' committee called for a political solution, and Catholic leaders in Europe warned military intervention could lead to an escalation of hostilities. (CNS photo/Jason Reed)
Protesters carry a banner during a rally outside the White House in Washington Aug. 29. As speculation mounted about Western air strikes on Syria, a U.S. bishops’ committee called for a political solution, and Catholic leaders in Europe warned military intervention could lead to an escalation of hostilities. (CNS photo/Jason Reed)

Pope Francis called  for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world before his Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square today.

On Sept. 7 “here [in St Peter’s Square], from 7 p.m. until midnight, we will gather together in prayer, in a spirit of penitence, to ask from God this great gift [of peace] for the beloved Syrian nation and for all the situations of conflict and violence in the world,” the Holy Father said.

Pope Francis invited non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian believers to participate in ways they feel are appropriate. “Never again war!” said Pope Francis. “We want a peaceful world,” he said, “we want to be men and women of peace.”

Source: Vatican Radio