Pope Francis asks the Irish faithful and people of goodwill to pray and to unite in support of peace in the Holy Land

06 Jun 2014

Cardinal Seán Brady, as President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, received an urgent message from His Holiness Pope Francis requesting that all bishops, priests, men and women religious and all laypeople in Ireland be invited to participate this weekend in heartfelt prayer to unite in support of peace in the Holy Land.  Pope Francis has issued this request to Apostolic Nuncios around the world asking that they invite their local Church to participate in a similar spiritual initiative.

Cardinal Brady said, “When Pope Francis was on pilgrimage in the Holy Land last month he invited President Shimon Peres of Israel and President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine to come to his home so that, with him and together, they might beseech God for the gift of peace.  This important moment will take place this Sunday 8 June, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, at the Tomb of Saint Peter in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  This prayerful gathering will also involve the participation of His Holiness Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople.”

Cardinal Brady continued, “I encourage the faithful of Ireland, and all people of goodwill, to support this request from Pope Francis, trusting that the Lord’s promise may be fulfilled: ‘I say to you, if two or three of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven’ (Mt 18:19).”

ENDS

  • Cardinal Seán Brady is Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

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