Pope backs global prayer for Iraq this week

From Zee News:

Vatican City, Apr 03: Pope Benedict XVI called yesterday on the faithful and "all men of good will" to join in two days of prayer this week for peace in Iraq.

The head of the world's one billion Roman Catholics was supporting an appeal for prayers today and Tuesday which was made by religious leaders in Iraq.

"In Iraq, the Chaldean partriarch and all the bishops have launched an appeal to the faithful and believers and all men of good will to unite in prayer and fasting on April 3 and 4 for peace and harmony in Iraq," the Pope told the tens of thousands gathered in the Vatican's Saint Peter's Square for his Sunday Angelus blessing.

"I am touched by this important appeal and I invite you to join it for peace in that troubled nation," Benedict said.

Violence triggered by insurgents has flared again in Iraq as the country's different factions -- Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds -- are stalled in trying to form a permanent government three and a half months after landmark legislative elections.

I first heard about this fast from the Chaldean seminarians I study with. They are very serious about doing it and I intend to do my best to join them.