Day of Prayer and Fasting on March 13: the CEI and the Pope Call to Stop the Spiral of Violence

The escalation of violence in the Middle East "risks dragging humanity into a war of global proportions, a new senseless massacre with incalculable consequences." This is stated by the Cei, which, joining its voice with that of Pope Leo who has called to "stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable chasm", promotes a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Friday, March 13. The invitation is addressed to all ecclesial communities "so that they may ask the King of Peace to save humanity from the horrors and tears of all ongoing conflicts." The bishops reiterate that "war is not and can never be the answer".

The presidency of the Cei emphasizes that "the logic of force cannot and must not replace the patient art of diplomacy, the only viable path for resolving disputes and conflicts; that the deafening noise of weapons cannot suffocate the dignity and legitimate aspirations of peoples; that fear and threat cannot triumph over dialogue and the common good." The bishops reaffirm that "the cry of the victims reaches us with a force that directly challenges us; the images of escalating violence bewilder us and call for a strengthened commitment." A collective and conscious commitment that must translate into gestures of proximity and daily prayer. The Day of March 13 aims to be "an additional opportunity to implore the gift of peace in the Middle East and in all corners of the earth devastated by division, destruction, and death." The Liturgy Office of the Episcopal Conference has offered some guidelines and proposals for the eucharistic celebration, the Stations of the Cross, and fasting. In particular, prayers will be offered that "a path to stable and lasting peace may soon open" and that "those who suffer due to violence and hatred, the victims of bombings, the refugees, the wounded, and the bereaved families may find comfort in the solidarity of the Christian community and in the hope that comes from God".