DAY OF PRAYER FOR HUMANITY MAY 14

05/12/2020

An ecumenical gathering from the homepage of the Pontificate for Interreligious Dialogue

VATICAN CITY — In response to the appeal by Pope Francis on 3 May 2020, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has invited believers of all religions and people of goodwill to unite themselves spiritually in a day of prayer, fasting and works of charity, to implore the divine to help in overcoming the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. The invitation expresses the vision of "witness to the greatness of faith in God that unites divided hearts and elevates the human soul." (Document of Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together)

Day of Prayer for Humanity Proclamation

Our world is facing at the moment a great danger that threatens the lives of millions of people around the world due to the growing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While we reaffirm the role of medicine and scientific research in fighting this pandemic, we should not forget to seek refuge in God, as we face this severe crisis. Therefore, we call upon all peoples around the world to pray according to each one’s, respective religious convictions, to observe fast and to do good deeds to end this pandemic. May each of us, wherever we are, and according to the teachings of our own respective faith traditions and philosophies, seek divine help to rescue ourselves and the entire world from this adversity, to inspire scientists to find a cure for the virus and to save the whole world from the health, economic, and human repercussions of this serious pandemic.

As part of its efforts to realize the objectives of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity proposes Thursday, 14 May 2020 as a Day of prayers, fasting and works of charity for the good of all humanity. In this regard, the Committee invites all religious leaders and peoples around the world to respond to this call together; to beseech God, the Almighty to safeguard the entire world, to help us overcome this pandemic, to restore security, stability, health, and prosperity, so that, once this pandemic-crisis is over, our world may become a better place for humanity and for human fraternity than ever before.

(Adapted from the Communiqué of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity)