Pope leads global prayer for peace, reconciliation

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis called for reconciliation in Syria on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) as he led a mass peace vigil on St. Peter’s square and millions of Catholics worldwide were joined by other faiths in a day of fasting and prayer.

“In beloved Syria, in the Middle East, in all the world, let us pray for reconciliation and peace, let us work for reconciliation and peace,” the pontiff told tens of thousands who had gathered on the square for the four-hour event, with smaller gatherings held in churches, mosques and synagogues around the globe.