Pope Leo XIV calls for fasting, prayer for peace in Middle East and Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV calls for fasting, prayer for peace in Middle East and Ukraine
——————————
Pope Leo XIV has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace and justice in the Middle East and Ukraine, Arab News reporte. The special appeal was issued as he returned to the Vatican after his summer vacation.

In a statement, the Pope urged the Catholic faithful to spend Friday—a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary—fasting and “praying that the Lord grants peace and justice, and dries the tears of all those who are suffering as a result of the armed conflicts underway.” He has previously called for ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine and has advocated for dialogue to achieve peace.

This marks the Pope’s first public appearance at the Vatican since his return from the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope’s upcoming schedule includes special audiences for the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year and the canonization of Carlo Acutis on September 7.