What is required for the pope’s call for fasting and prayer on Oct. 27?
Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance, and prayer for peace in the world on Friday, Oct. 27.
The Hamas Israel War will enter day 21, while Ukraine will enter into the 611th day of war on Friday.
“I have decided to declare Friday, Oct. 27, a day of fasting, penance, and prayer for peace. I invite the various Christian confessions, members of other religions, and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate” Pope Francis said.
Father John Gordon, Secretary for Evangelization Archdiocese of Newark, said that fasting is not a requirement like it is on Ash Wednesday. But said, “it is encouraged.”
Some may only eat one meal that day, or skip dessert, or eat nothing at all. Others may participate in spiritual fasting such as making an effort not to complain for the day or not push the snooze button, Father Gordon said.
“The point is to be mindful of those suffering. Enter into prayer for those who suffer so much,” Father Gordon said.
On Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said at least 6,545 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli bombardments since Oct. 7, including 2,705 children. In the last 48 hours, the deadliest since Oct. 7, nearly 1,500 have been killed with over a third of them children.
Pope Francis has called for the release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas militants and for allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. The pope spoke the morning after Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer at the United Nations, told the Security Council that although dialogue seems impossible right now, it is the “only viable option for a lasting end to the cycle of violence” that has plagued the Holy Land.
“War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” Pope Francis told the audience in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 18.
Officials across the globe voiced concerns that the conflict could spread and ignite the Middle East.
“Casualties are rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate,” the Pope said. “Please, may everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”
The pope also called for peace in tormented Ukraine, where tragedy continues, but is not discussed as much since Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, he said.
The pope urged all people of faith to take one side in this conflict: that of peace, and to do so with prayer.
There will be an hour of prayer starting at 6 p.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s “imploring for peace in the world,” he said, and local churches are invited to organize similar initiatives.
Carol Glatz is from Catholic News Service.
