Speaking at the Wednesday, October 18 General Audience, Pope Francis expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on all parties to lay down their weapons. The Pope has invited everyone to join in a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace. On Friday, Oct. 27, he is encouraging people of different Christian denominations, other religions, and all those who advocate for peace to participate as they see fit. The Holy Father also drew attention to the unsettling possibility of the conflict's expansion.
"The world already witnesses so many open war fronts."
In light of these circumstances, he implored, "Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children."
"War solves no problems," he said. "It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future."
The Holy Father went on to urge all believers to take one side only: that of peace. “But not with words,” he continued, “with prayer and with total dedication.”