War always marks the failure of peace, it is always a defeat for humanity.
Pope Francis led a four hour long vigil in St. Peter's Square to protest the socio-political unrest in Syria. More than 70000 people responded to his call to join the rally. People denounced the proposed U.S. led military action following the 21st August chemical weapons attack near Damascus.
"This evening, I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: Violence and war are never the way to peace!"
A handful number of Christians in Damascus attended a service in a church, joining the Pope's invitation to firmly oppose outside military intervention in this great conflict. Pope Paul VI famously uttered "War never again, never again war" at the United Nations in 1965 before the U.S.-Vietnam conflict grew, sadly his wish did not get fulfilled in the future. Other church officials including the common people have criticized the U.S.-France involvement in the conflict as it would exacerbate the situation for the minority Christians and also for the common people.
But by the time the vigil got underway, the posters and flags had mainly disappeared with leaders from Christians and non-Christians spoke up. Bishops around the world responded to the Pope's call including Italy, Argentina & Cuba. The grand Mufti of Damascus had also invited Muslims to join the fast in solidarity. Long live humanity, long live our immortal consciousness.
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