Almighty and merciful God, author and giver of peace, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own, listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth, from our human family torn by violent conflict. Lord, have mercy.

Look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry; be a shelter and strength for them, a haven, a healing, and a hope; lead, and provide for them. Lord, have mercy.

Be the Hiding Place to refugees who are languishing in camps; shelter their souls as well as their bodies. Lord, have mercy.

Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts. Come, Lord Jesus.

Be the Deliverer to refugees who have been able to return home. Restore their lives so that those who have sown in tears may reap in joy. Lord, have mercy.

Be the Wonderful Counselor to refugees who have been resettled. Help them find their way in a new land. Lord, have mercy.

To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge, or even in the cause of justice, grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue and constructive collaboration. Come, Lord Jesus.

Please bless Pope Francis’s peacemaking mission to the Central African Republic. May your love through him shatter the hatred that has kept that nation at war for so long. Come, Lord Jesus.

Guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and peace. Come, Lord Jesus.

We ask these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.