Pope Francis asked for prayers and global participation to all men and women of good will in the “One Minute for Peace” action to be held on Thursday, 8 June, at 1:00 PM time zone.
The worldwide minute of prayer marks the second anniversary when Pope Francis together with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Abu Mazen prayed together for peace in the Middle East. Moreover, the Holy Father said, “In our days, there is a great need to pray – Christians, Jews, and Muslims – for peace.” In the Philippines, the initiative brings additional significance this year, particularly in Mindanao, as a all out war between the Maute terror group and government forces rages in Marawi.
Pope Francis appeal came at the conclusion of his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The Peace Prayer, usually associated with Saint Francis of Assisi is considered as one traditional prayer. Saint John Paul II prayed it before representatives of the Christian churches and the world religions when he, as pope, met with them to pray for peace in 1986.
