August 3, 2012—The Apostleship of Prayer asks Christians to join Pope Benedict XVI in praying for Syria at this time of crisis and violence. At last Sunday's Angelus prayer, Pope Benedict XVI voiced grave concern about the "growing and tragic episodes of violence in Syria." More than 20,000 have been killed in this past year of intensifying civil strife. The Pope also lamented the large number of refugees displaced by the conflict. He asked for humanitarian assistance for all those in need. After promising his continued prayer and spiritual closeness to all those suffering as a result of the conflict , Pope Benedict made an urgent call, "for an end to all violence and bloodshed," and that, among the nations, "no effort be spared in the quest for peace, through dialogue and reconciliation, for the proper political settlement of the conflict."

Visit Catholic Relief Services to find out how you can help the people of Syria