Thousands Gather at Fatima Shrine to Pray for Peace Amid Global Conflicts

On Sunday, tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered at the Fatima shrine in Portugal to pray for peace amid ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and elsewhere. The annual event marks the first of three reported visions of the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady, which occurred over 100 years ago.

Pilgrims from diverse countries, including India, Canada, Brazil, and Ivory Coast, united in their prayers and desire for an end to global conflicts. "War leads nowhere," said 67-year-old Maria do Carmo. We are also here to ask Our Lady to put an end to wars. Jim Grimes, a 68-year-old from the United States, emphasized the need for tolerance and dialogue, saying, "We have to start talking to each other, we have to start being tolerant of each other. It's the way to change the world."

Why this matters: The gathering at the Fatima shrine highlights the growing concern and desire for peace among people from diverse backgrounds, underscoring the need for global unity and cooperation in the face of escalating conflicts. As the world grapples with the devastating humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, the call for dialogue and understanding becomes increasingly urgent.

The gathering took place against the backdrop of devastating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The Israel-Gaza war has resulted in over 35,000 deaths in Hamas-run Gaza, according to health authorities. About 1,200 people were killed in Israel, and 253 taken hostage on October 7, when Hamas launched the attack that started the war, according to Israeli tallies. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has killed tens of thousands and driven millions from their homes.

David Garcia, 42, brought his family and Ukrainian flags to show support for those affected by Russia's invasion, stating, "Nobody likes wars...but the fact is that they happen. We must be united because the world needs our prayer." The candlelight procession was the highlight of the evening, with pilgrims coming together to pray for peace and an end to conflicts.

The Fatima shrine is one of Catholicism's most famous sanctuaries, and the annual event brings together pilgrims from around the world. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary appeared to three Portuguese children in 1917, giving them three messages, known as the secrets of Fatima. Pope Francis made two of the shepherd children saints in 2017.

The gathering at the Fatima shrine served as a powerful display of unity and hope, with thousands of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds coming together to pray for an end to global conflicts. As the world continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, the messages of peace and tolerance shared by pilgrims resonate as a call for dialogue and understanding in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered at Fatima shrine in Portugal to pray for peace amid global conflicts.
• Pilgrims from diverse countries united in their desire for an end to wars and global conflicts.
• The gathering highlighted the need for global unity and cooperation in the face of escalating conflicts.
• The event took place against the backdrop of devastating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
• Pilgrims called for dialogue, tolerance, and understanding to bring about peace and end conflicts.