Vigils for peace around the globe

Pope Francis’ fast ended with a four long prayer vigil in Saint Peter’s Square, where he was joined by one hundred thousand Catholics and others. Mostly spent in silence, the Pope did speak briefly and condemned the war mongering and called for peace. “This evening, I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: Violence and war are never the way to peace!”

Pope Francis’ initiative was echoed around the globe. In the Holy Land, faithful gathered in the Basilica of Gethsemane for a prayer vigil that ended with a procession by candlelight. The prayer was led by the parish priest of Jerusalem, Father Firas Hijazin OFM and in attendance were the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, the Apostolic Delegate and Nuncio in Israel Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, various representatives of the non-Catholic Churches and many religious, local faithful and pilgrims.

The Hebrew speaking faithful in Jaffa joined the vigil by spending time in silent adoration at the end of the Saturday evening liturgy.

See article in HaAretz here

See video clip of the vigil in Rome here

See video clip of the Pope’s homily here