Praying for Peace: Pope Francis’ 10th Anniversary Commemoration
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the “Invocation for Peace” in the Vatican Gardens with the then-leaders of Israel and Palestine, Pope Francis revealed his daily prayers for the end of the Holy Land war. He firmly believes that it is a deception to think that war can resolve problems.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Renewed commitment
During the historic gathering on 8 June 2014, Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and the leaders of Israel and Palestine planted an olive tree for peace. The Pope emphasized the courage needed for peace and the importance of dialogue over conflict at that event.
He highlighted the necessity of cherishing Jerusalem as a city of encounter and unity among Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The Pope called for a continued commitment to building a peaceful world marked by fraternity and mutual solidarity.
Let’s stop deceiving ourselves
Pope Francis cautioned against the belief that war can bring peace, calling it a deception. He stressed the need for transformed hearts and encounters with God’s love to build lasting peace between Israel and Palestine by breaking down walls of enmity.
Stop bloodshed in Gaza
The Pope called for an urgent ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. He urged the protection and aid for the Palestinian population affected by the conflict, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding homes for the displaced.
Keeping hope for a new day
Pope Francis expressed solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis hoping for a new dawn of peace amid their suffering. He prayed for the Lord’s intercession and emphasized the transformative power of encountering God’s love to foster peace.
Embrace of peace
Reflecting on a moment of peace between Israeli and Palestinian fathers embracing, the Pope encouraged an embrace of peace in the region. He invited everyone to pray for the leaders of nations and parties in conflict to find the path to peace, reciting the prayer for peace from the 2014 invocation.
Prayer for Peace
8 June 2014
“Lord God of peace, hear our prayer! Teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Instil in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Enable us to see everyone as our brother or sister. Renew our hearts and minds so that peace may triumph at last. Amen.”
