“Today and during this weekend’s Masses, I ask believers to pray for the people in Congo, South Sudan, and for anyone in the world facing the violence of war every day, for them to find peace, safety and love”. Today, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, and President of the Bishops’ Council for the missions of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Msgr. Kieran O’Reilly also joined the appeal of Pope Francis for this day of prayer and fasting for peace. “The refugees due to the conflict going on in South Sudan – the youngest nation in the world – are over four million; another three million refugees from nearby Congo. Moreover, this prolonged violence and division exacerbated the effects of the crisis due to drought and hunger, gripping the area”, wrote the Archbishop, exhorting everyone “to make peace and justice become the cornerstone of our lives, to grant every person the dignity” which Jesus gave to every human being. In his message, Msgr. O’Reilly expressed his gratitude to the Irish Agency Trócaire, and to the “several Irish missionaries at work to promote peace and support the people suffering from the conflict”.