Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese has called on all people to join Pope Francis in observing Ash Wednesday, March 2, as a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Russian aggression shatters and further threatens the peace that has largely prevailed in Europe and the West since the end of World War II. Pray that all world leaders who are in a position to end this invasion will have the wisdom, skill and courage to do and say whatever is necessary to bring a just and lasting peace to Ukraine,“ said Zubik in a statement.