Pope Francis called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the world on October 7 of this year. He announced that he will recite the rosary next Sunday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome for this same intention.

This morning, during the opening Mass of the second session of the 16th Synod of Bishops "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission" in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, the Holy Father invited the participants in the synod to join him in this initiative. 

The Pope emphasized that continuing the synodal journey involves paying attention to the world so that the Christian community becomes active in serving humanity and announces the joy of the gospel to all, especially during these current historical moments when the winds of war are sweeping through entire peoples and nations.