separateurCreated with Sketch.

Fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday with St. John Paul II

John Paul II
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Philip Kosloski - published on 03/02/22
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
The last time a pope asked for fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday was in 2003, when St. John Paul II prayed for an end to violence in the Middle East.

When Pope Francis called for fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, he wasn't the first pope to initiate such a request. The last time Lenten fasting was directed towards a similar intention was in 2003, in response to rising violence in the Middle East.

St. John Paul II reminded the world in his general audience that everyone is responsible for peace.

Not only did St. John Paul II hope that this day of prayer and fasting would calm down tensions in the world, but also result in concrete acts of reconciliation.

He also firmly believed that there is always time for dialogue, trusting that both sides of a conflict can come together and resolve their differences in a non-violent way.

Let us remember that we are all responsible for peace in the world, and that our own actions of prayer and fasting can help bring peace to the nations, through the mercy of God.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.