Pope Announces Day of Fasting for Peace for Syria

[cbayer]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pope-announces-day-fasting-prayer-syria-20129395


VATICAN CITY September 1, 2013 (AP)
By FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated Press

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the use of chemical weapons, but he called for a negotiated settlement of the civil war in Syria, and announced he would lead a worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace there on Sept. 7.

Francis abandoned the traditional religious theme of the weekly papal appearance to crowds in St. Peter's Square and instead spoke entirely, and with anguish, about Syria.

"My heart is deeply wounded by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments" on the horizon, Francis said, in an apparent reference to the U.S. and France considering a military strike to punish the Syrian regime for a chemical weapons attack.

Francis reiterated previous appeals for all sides in the civil war to put down their arms and "listen to the voice of their conscience and with courage take up the way of negotiations."

more at link

[rug]

1. Can't hurt.

Might even keep it in the forefront of people's minds.

[cbayer]

2. I think it's great that he did this.

He's taking a stand and that's admirable.

[rug]

3. It is.

[Walk away]

4. I wonder what the real Pope is having for lunch....nt

[cbayer]

5. Sorry, not sure I understand what you are saying here.

[Walk away]

11. You're kidding!

If you aren't then there's no point explaining.

[ZombieHorde]

6. Anti-war movements can use every ally we can get. nt

[cbayer]

7. Agree. And he's got quite the bully pulpit.

[ZombieHorde]

8. That may be true in most countries,

but many American Catholics don't seem care very much about the Vatican.

[cbayer]

9. That's very true, but they may care about war.

And when it comes to causes they support, they like it when the vatican is on their side (for a change).

[ZombieHorde]

10. I really hope you're right. nt