Pope calls for fasting and prayer for peace in Middle East and Ukraine as he returns to Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Day of Fasting for Peace and Justice

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV urged people to fast on Friday in order to pray for peace and justice in the Middle East and Ukraine. The special appeal came as he returned to the Vatican from his summer vacation.

During his weekly general audience, Leo reminded Catholic faithful that Friday is a feast day dedicated to the Virgin Mary. He encouraged believers to spend the day fasting and praying for peace, justice, and comfort for those affected by ongoing conflicts.

The pontiff has been vocal in his calls for ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

Leo’s return to the Vatican follows a period of vacation at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Looking ahead, the pope has important events on his schedule, including special audiences for the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year and the upcoming canonization of Carlo Acutis, the Church’s first millennial saint.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s audience, Leo was presented with a special gift—a Ping-Pong table adorned with his papal coat of arms. Known for his love of tennis, the pope playfully tried his hand at the game, but the ball ended up in the net.

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