Pope Francis Calls for Prayers and Fasting for Ukraine

Expressing his concern for the conflict beginning in Europe, Pope Francis called this week for world leaders to “make a serious examination of conscience before God.” He also called for people of good will to pray and fast on Ash Wednesday for peace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “I would like all those who have the political responsibility to make a serious examination of conscience before God, who is the God of peace and not of war … He wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all parties involved will refrain from any action that will cause even more suffering for people, destabilizing coexistence among nations and undermining international law,” the Pope said.