Vatican : Pope Francis formally invited every Bishop around the world to join him on Friday, 25 March, to pray a “solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, and Russia and Ukraine in particular, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

The appeal was made in a letter sent to all Bishops. In his letter, the Pope lamented the “immense suffering” the war in Ukraine is inflicting upon its “sorely tried people” and which is “threatening world peace. "The entire Celebration of Penance will be broadcast across Vatican News’ channels—radio, YouTube, website, and Facebook—and accompanied by English-language commentary.

“At this dark hour, the Church is urgently called to intercede before the Prince of Peace and to demonstrate her closeness to those directly affected by the conflict. "The Pope expressed his gratitude to the many Catholics who have responded “with great generosity to my appeals for prayer, fasting, and charity.”

He said his decision to perform the Act of Consecration for the nations at war came partly in response to the “numerous requests by the People of God. On 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, I intend to carry out a solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, and Russia and Ukraine in particular, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

He said the choice to perform the Act at Friday’s Lenten penitential service is particularly fitting, since it allows us to “invoke peace with hearts renewed by God’s forgiveness. "The Act of Consecration will take place about 6:30 PM Rome time, and the Pope will lead the prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Consecration can be viewed live at youtu.be