Saying that “war cancels the future,” Pope Francis has asked Catholics around the world, as well as people of other faiths, to join in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land. “I am very worried, saddened. I pray and I am close to all those who suffer, the hostages, the injured, the victims and their families,” the pope said following his Angelus address at the Vatican on Sunday, October 22. The pope announced that an hourlong prayer vigil “in the spirit of penance” will be held in St. Peter’s Square on Friday, October 27, at 6 p.m. (noon in Maine), and he asked that similar services be held in churches around the world. Individuals are also asked to spend time in prayer and to fast on that day. Bishop Robert Deeley encouraged all the faithful in Maine to participate. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is entering its third week. It is estimated than nearly 6,000 people have been killed with thousands more injured or displaced. Hundreds were also taken hostage by Hamas militants.