Pope Francis -Day Of Prayer And Fast For World Peace

Pope Francis . . . “War begets war, violence begets violence.”

Pope Francis has proclaimed Saturday 7th Sepember 2013, a day of prayer and fasting for the whole Church, for peace in Syria, in the Middle East, and anywhere in the world where there is turmoil and strife.  The English translation of his proclamation was as follows

Dear Brothers and Sisters,.

Hello! Today, dear brothers and sisters, I want to make include my voice to the cry which rises with enhancing distress from every part of the world, from every individuals, from the heart of everyone, from the one wonderful family which is mankind: it is the cry for peace! It is a cry, which states with force: we desire a serene world, we want to be males and females of peace, and we desire in our society, torn apart by departments and conflict, that peace break out! War never once again! Never ever again war! Peace is a valuable gift, which have to be advertised and secured.

There are so many disagreements in this world which cause me excellent suffering and fear, however in nowadays my heart is deeply wounded in particular by exactly what is occurring in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming.

I appeal highly for peace, an appeal, which occurs from the deep within me. How much suffering, just how much destruction, how much discomfort has using arms carried in its wake because martyred nation, specifically amongst civilians and the unarmed! I think about lots of children will not see the light of the future! With utmost firmness I condemn using chemical tools: I inform you that those terrible images from current days are burned into my mind and heart. There is a judgment of God and of history upon our activities, which are inescapable! Never has using physical violence brought peace in its wake.

War begets war, violence begets violence.

With all my strength, I ask each celebration in this problem to hear the voice of their own conscience, not to close themselves in solely on their own interests, however rather to review each other as brothers and decisively and courageously to follow the course of encounter and arrangement, therefore overcome blind problem. With similar vitality I exhort the international community to strive to advertise clear propositions for peace because nation without additional delay, a peace based on discussion and negotiation, for the good of the entire Syrian individuals.

May no effort be spared in assuring humanitarian assistance to those wounded by this awful problem, in particular those required to run away and the many refugees in neighboring nations. May humanitarian workers, accused of the job of alleviating the sufferings of these individuals, be given access so about offer the essential aid.

Exactly what can we do to make peace on the planet? As Pope John stated, it pertains to each individual to establish new relationships in human society under the mastery and guidance of justice and love (cf. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, [11 April 1963]: AAS 55, [1963], 301-302).

All men and women of good will are bound by the job of pursuing peace. I make a strong and urgent call to the whole Catholic Church, and also to every Christian of other confessions, along with to followers of every faith and to those brothers and sisters who do not think: peace is a good which conquers every barrier, since it belongs all mankind!

I repeat vigorously: it is neither a culture of conflict nor a culture of disagreement which develops consistency within and between individuals, however rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only means to peace.

May the plea for peace rise and touch the heart of everybody so that they may set their tools and be let themselves be led by the desire for peace.

To this end, brothers and sisters, I have actually decided to proclaim for the entire Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I likewise welcome each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of various other religious beliefs and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this effort.

On 7 September, in Saint Peter’s Square, right here, from 7:00 pm until mid-night, we will gather in prayer and in a spirit of penance, invoking God’s wonderful gift of peace upon the beloved nation of Syria and upon each occurrence of dispute and physical violence around the globe.

Mankind has to see these motions of peace and to hear words of hope and peace! I ask all the local churches, in addition to fasting, that they collect to pray for this intention.

Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to physical violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: might she assist us to discover peace; everybody are her children! Help us, Mary, to conquer this most difficult minute and to commit ourselves each day to building in every situation a genuine culture of encounter and peace. Mat, Queen of Peace, pray for us!