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. 

“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.”

“With this in mind, I have decided to call for a day of fasting and prayer, of penance, on Friday October 27, to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, to join in as they see fit. That evening, at 6pm (5pm Irish time), at St Peter’s, we will spend an hour of prayer, in a spirit of penance, to implore peace in our time, peace in this world. I ask all the particular Churches to participate by arranging similar activities involving the People of God.”