Great and merciful God,

Lord of peace and life,

You have plans for peace, not affliction.

You condemn wars

and defeat the pride of the violent.

You sent your Son Jesus

to preach peace to those near and far,

to gather people of every race and nation

into a single family.

Hear the single-hearted cry of all humanity:

no more war, a spiral of death and violence,

a threat against all your creatures

in heaven, on the earth and in the sea.

In communion with Mary, the Mother of Jesus,

once again we implore you:

speak to the hearts of those responsible

for the fate of peoples,

stop the "logic" of revenge and retaliation,

with your Spirit suggest new solutions,

generous and honorable gestures,

room for dialogue and patient waiting

which are more fruitful

than the hurried deadlines of war