Pope Francis, followed by various episcopal conferences, has called for  a day of prayer  Friday August 22, the feast of the Queenship of Mary.

In a series of tweets over recent days, Pope Francis has raised an alarm to the international community pleading for us to protect and pray for “all those suffering violence in Iraq,” and to live in solidarity with them.

Since August 9, Pope Francis has tweeted the following:
08/09/2014  I ask the international community to protect all those suffering violence in Iraq.
08/09/2014  Violence is not conquered by violence. Lord, send us the gift of peace. #prayforpeace
08/10/2014  Those driven from their homes in Iraq depend on us. I ask all to pray, and for those who are able, to give material assistance.
08/10/2014  The news coming from Iraq pains me. Lord, teach us to live in solidarity with all those who suffer.
08/10/2014  An appeal to all families: when you say your prayers, remember all those forced from their homes in Iraq. #PrayForPeace
08/11/2014  “I ask all Catholic parishes and communities to offer a special prayer this weekend for Iraqi Christians.” #prayforpeace.

The entire Vincentian Family is joining in prayer and relief efforts as coordinated by the Society of St. Vincent dePaul.