Pope Declares October 27 to be a Day of Fasting, Penance and Prayer for Peace in the World

During his general audience on Wednesday, His Holiness, Pope Francis declared that Friday, October 27, is to be a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace. 

The Holy Father invited, "the various Christian confessions, members of other religious, and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate."

A Vigil will take place at 6 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, where an hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, in this world. To watch the prayer service from St. Peter's, please click here. 

"Our thoughts turn to Palestine and Israel. The number of victims is rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate," the Pope continued.

"Please, let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster."

In corespondence to local parishes, the Most Rev. Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto indicated support for the day inviting them, "to participate in a way most suitable for their community. This may include Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Mass with special intentions for peace, praying of the rosary as well as clergy and the faithful offering their own personal prayer time, fasting and penances for this intention."

He continued, "Let us join together in communion with the Holy Father in praying, fasting and offering up sacrifices in view of a lasting and sustained peace in the Middle East. May our Christian outreach of solidarity with the victims and all those who suffer violence and injustice serve as an antidote to terror, war and other such evils."