Pope Francis has declared 7th October a day of prayer and fasting for peace, marking the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages in Gaza.

The Pope called for prayer during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which opened the second session of the General Assembly of the Synod.

He emphasised the need for the Christian community to serve humanity, as war and violence continue to affect nations and peoples, according to Vatican News.

“In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations, (the Christian community) should put itself at the service of humanity,” Francis said.

In addition to the day of prayer, Pope Francis has invited all synod members to join him on 6th October at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he plans to offer a heartfelt plea for peace to the Virgin Mary.

"Let us walk together, listen to the Lord, and be guided by the breeze of the Spirit," he urged.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has called for fasting and prayer in the face of war.

He made similar appeals for Syria in 2013 and for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in 2017.

Recently, the Pope has called for an immediate ceasefire in the region, the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza, and the distribution of humanitarian aid.