by Jean Gale, parishioner, St Anne’s Catholic Church, Keighley

The heated arguments as to the rights and wrongs of military intervention in Syria have gone on and on.

Meanwhile the agony of the Syrian people continues unabated.

Above this turmoil, with deep compassion for the suffering Syrians, Pope Francis made his passionate plea for peace.

On September 7, he led a vigil of prayer which was taken up by Catholics all over the world.

Seeking a global coalition for peace, Pope Francis invited each person “including our fellow Christians, the followers of other religions and all people of goodwill to participate in whatever way they can in this initiative.

“With all my strength, I ask each party in this conflict to listen to the voice of their own conscience, not to close themselves solely on their own interests but rather to look at each other as brothers and decisively and courageously to follow the path of encounter and negotiation, and so overcome blind conflict.”

Those who greet the call to prayer with cynicism may note that Pope Francis is also using all practical diplomatic means at his disposal to push his peace agenda with the governments of 180 countries across the globe.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis, together with all who know the power of prayer, will continue to pray for peace.