Pope Calls for Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Middle East and Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic faithful to observe a day of fasting and prayer for peace and justice in the region.
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV has called upon people to fast on Friday, dedicating their time to pray for peace and justice in the Middle East and Ukraine.
This special appeal was made as he returned to the Vatican following his summer vacation.
The Pope recalled that Friday is traditionally a feast day dedicated to the Virgin Mary and encouraged Catholic faithful to spend this day fasting, praying for peace and justice, and seeking solace for those suffering due to ongoing conflicts.
His Holiness has also advocated for ceasefires in both Gaza and Ukraine, promoting dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace.
This announcement marks Pope Leo XIV's first day back at the Vatican after a period spent at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, located south of Rome.
Looking ahead, the Pope has several significant appointments, including special audiences for the 2025 Holy Year and the upcoming canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, scheduled for September 7th.
In a lighter moment during his return, the Pope was presented with a Ping-Pong table adorned with his papal coat of arms.
Despite being an avid tennis player, Pope Leo XIV gamely engaged with the sport, successfully bouncing a ball on the paddle before it sailed into the net.
This special appeal was made as he returned to the Vatican following his summer vacation.
The Pope recalled that Friday is traditionally a feast day dedicated to the Virgin Mary and encouraged Catholic faithful to spend this day fasting, praying for peace and justice, and seeking solace for those suffering due to ongoing conflicts.
His Holiness has also advocated for ceasefires in both Gaza and Ukraine, promoting dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace.
This announcement marks Pope Leo XIV's first day back at the Vatican after a period spent at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, located south of Rome.
Looking ahead, the Pope has several significant appointments, including special audiences for the 2025 Holy Year and the upcoming canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, scheduled for September 7th.
In a lighter moment during his return, the Pope was presented with a Ping-Pong table adorned with his papal coat of arms.
Despite being an avid tennis player, Pope Leo XIV gamely engaged with the sport, successfully bouncing a ball on the paddle before it sailed into the net.
