Pope Francis Syria Day Prayer
Pope Francis Proposes World Day Of Fasting For Syria Pope Francis proposed a world day of fasting and prayer for Syria, saying that “God and history” will judge anyone who uses chemical weapons. But while the pope condemned the use of chemical weapons, he advocated for a negotiated settlement of the Syrian civil war.
Speaking from Vatican City in his weekly address, the pope announced he will lead the worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace in the nation on September 7. Francis broke tradition for the weekly papal appearance to tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, reports The Associated Press. Rather than the traditional religious theme, the pope instead spoke entirely, emotionally, about Syria.
The remarks were Pope Francis’ strongest yet regarding the use of chemical weapons and were met with loud applause from people in the square below. AFP notes that he commented, in reference to photos and TV images of victims from the August 21 attack in Syria:
“With utmost firmness, I condemn the use of chemical weapons. I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heard.”
In his first reference to the reports of a sarin gas attack, Francis commented, “There is judgement from God and history on our actions that no one can escape.” Francis will lead the prayers on September 7 with a five-hour vigil in St. Peter’s Square. The worldwide day of prayer and fasting will happen two days before the US Congress meets to debate and vote on a possible military strike to punish Syria for the chemical weapons use.
