Petitions for peace rise up from the Holy Land

Jerusalem Christians join Pope Francis' day of prayer

Syrian refugees, fleeing the violence in their country, cross the border into the Kurdish region of northern Iraq Sept. 4. Pope Francis has called for a global day of prayer for an end of violence. (Photo: CNS)

Churches in the Holy Land will unite with Pope Francis Sept. 7 in prayer for peace in Syria. Vatican Radio reports:

The Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land together with the Latin Parish in Jerusalem have invited all Christians there to join in the observances to pray for peace in the Middle East, Syria and Egypt.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, William Shomali said “we took very seriously this wish of his Holiness. The Catholics of Jerusalem will meet at Gethsemane Church on Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m. for an hour of adoration."

"We invited all the Catholic community of Jerusalem, even the non-Catholic communities – some of them will participate. This is the wish of the Holy Father also.”

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