( CNN ) -- To robust applause from the gathered faithful , Pope Francis called Sunday for a day of prayer and fasting over the violence in Syria . Devoting the totality of his weekly remarks in St. Peter 's Square to the civil war in Syria , Francis invited `` all men of good will '' to join with Catholics on September 7 to take part in the prayer and fast . He condemned in strong and personal terms the recent use of of chemical weapons . `` I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heart , '' Francis said . `` There is a judgment of God and of history upon our actions which is inescapable ! '' The pontiff urged a peaceful ending to the conflict . `` Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake . '' the pope said , his voice rising . `` War begets war , violence begets violence . '' In recent days the United States , Britain and France have had high profile debates about the merits of military intervention in Syria . Britain 's parliament dealt a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron 's desire for military action . In the United States , President Barack Obama announced his intention to get congressional approval for any military involvement . The French government is expected to discuss the matter early next week . While Francis did not mention any of those efforts specifically , he called on the `` international community to make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace in that country without further delay , a peace based on dialogue and negotiation . '' On September 7 , he said , people will gather at St. Peter 's Square from 7 p.m. to midnight , while other churches hold similar community events . `` Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace '' he said .
He denounces chemical weapons use . He calls for days of prayer and fasting for Muslims . He asks ` ` all men of good will '' to pray . The pontiff appeals for peaceful efforts to end conflict .