The Holy Father warns against humanitarian calamity with ongoing wars in Middle East and Ukraine. Archdiocese of Chicago parishes will host Masses, prayer services for the restoration of peace and justice.
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, Oct. 27 for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, 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.
About the Archdiocese of Chicago
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region’s largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country’s largest seminaries. The Archdiocese’s 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
