During his general audience last Wednesday, Pope Francis called for a World Day of Prayer for Peace on Friday 27 October, inviting all Christians and people of other faiths to join him in prayer

The Holy Father also invited people of no faith, but with a heart for peace, to join him as they see fit.

Warning against a humanitarian catastrophe, he said, "War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future."

Inviting local parishes, dioceses and groups to join him by organising a similar hour of prayer on 27 October, the Holy Father's words at the end of his audience were as follows:

"Today too, dear brothers and sisters, our thoughts turn to Palestine and Israel. The number of victims is rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate. Please, let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster.

The possible widening of the conflict is disturbing, while so many war fronts are already open in the world. May weapons fall silent! Let us heed the cry for peace of populations, of the people, of the children! Brothers and sisters, war does not solve any problem: it sows only death and destruction, foments hate and proliferates revenge. War cancels out the future. I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words — with prayer, with total dedication.