Pope Francis Renews Appeal for Peace

Following his catechesis during today’s General Audience, Pope Francis launched an appeal, inviting Catholics around the world to join with Christians to pray for peace “in the most afflicted parts of our planet.” The Holy Father’s appeal comes a few days before the “International Day for Peace” which is celebrated by the United Nations.

“May peace, a gift from Christ, forever reside in our hearts and support the aims and actions of the leaders of the Nations and all men of good will,” the Pope said. “Let us all be committed to encouraging efforts for a diplomatic and political solution in the seedbeds of war that remain a cause for concern.”

Turning his thoughts towards the current civil war in Syria, Pope Francis again called for a resolution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation. Such dialogue, he said, should be done “with respect for justice and the dignity of every person, especially the weakest and most defenseless.”