When Pope Francis called for fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, he wasn't the first pope to initiate such a request. The last time Lenten fasting was directed towards a similar intention was in 2003, in response to rising violence in the Middle East.
St. John Paul II reminded the world in his general audience that everyone is responsible for peace.
Not only did St. John Paul II hope that this day of prayer and fasting would calm down tensions in the world, but also result in concrete acts of reconciliation.
He also firmly believed that there is always time for dialogue, trusting that both sides of a conflict can come together and resolve their differences in a non-violent way.
Let us remember that we are all responsible for peace in the world, and that our own actions of prayer and fasting can help bring peace to the nations, through the mercy of God.
