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Global Day of Fasting, Penance and Prayers

The Archdiocese of Chicago calls for Catholics and all people of good will to answer Pope Francis’ plea to unite for a global day of fasting, penance and prayers on Friday, October 27 for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Cardinal Cupich asks that all parishes and worship sites in the Archdiocese of Chicago dedicate their Friday services as Masses for the restoration of peace and justice in this time of war and civil disturbances.

“We mourn the presence of war and pray for the light of peace on this broken world and for mercy and reconciliation among nations,” said Cardinal Cupich. “As we pray for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, we grieve for the suffering and deaths of our brothers and sisters, and pray for comfort of those with immense grief and fear for their safety.”

The Holy Father announced that special prayers for peace will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Oct. 27. He has invited all to join. “War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future,” Francis said at the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 18.