Washington D.C., Feb 14, 2018 / 14:44 pm
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged Catholics to join Pope Francis Feb. 23 in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
"Let us answer the Holy Father's call to pray and fast for peace, especially for the Church and peoples of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo," said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the USCCB.
"And let us turn our fasting into almsgiving and support the work of Catholic Relief Services in both countries."
Both countries have suffered corruption, violent ethnic clashes, and poor economic conditions. Reflecting on those affected by the violence, Pope Francis encouraged individuals to ask how they may be able to promote peace.