Pope Francis wants you to pray to end Christian persecution. But will Catholics answer him?

With the mass kidnapping of over 100 Christians in Syria, it has become painfully clear that the Islamic State thinks nothing of targeting innocent civilians and children, threatening, enslaving and murdering anyone whose faith is different. We need now, more than ever, to strike back using the full force of prayer to end this terrible scourge.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - While men may resort to war, our recourse is to God. In following the order of Pope Francis, we pledge to join the Global Day of Prayer to end Christian Persecution on March 1.

At 2 pm, local time in each time zone, Christians have been asked to join one another in prayer, preferably the rosary. Group prayer is encouraged. However, if you can only pray alone or at a different hour, these prayers are just as precious.

Take the pledge now by clicking here. Share this pledge with your friends!

Additionally, all Christians, and people of all other faiths are invited to join us in prayer, solidarity and protest against what is happening to Christians around the globe, especially in territory controlled by the Islamic State.

There is more Christian persecution today than there has ever been in the history of the world. Martyrs for the faith are being made at a rate greater than that seen in pagan Rome. Many of these martyrs are produced by the violence of the Islamic State and their sympathizers, however Christians face persecution all around the world.

Even in the United States where religious freedom is supposed to be protected as a matter of Constitutional law, Christians face some level of persecution. However, the greatest danger remains in the Middle East.

In addition to the direct threat from the Islamic State, there are other equally dangerous threats. The cold weather, soon to turn hot in the extremes of the deserts there, the lack of food, water, sanitation and medicine, will undoubtedly take their toll. Children will suffer the most.

Christian refugees have formed makeshift churches and schools, but these are improvisations often lacking comforts and functionality. Kids are compelled to share a single book with an entire class of students. There are no desks, so a dirt or carpeted floor must do.

There are no toys for the children, and few bibles for the adults. There are clergy, but many are compelled to keep a low profile for the Islamic State has apparently begun a campaign directed specifically at Christians.

We pray that you will join us in prayer on March 1. The most powerful weapon we have in our arsenal aren't bombs, but prayer. God has always listened to the prayers of his faithful and even in times of great trial, He has saved millions. We believe another such miracle can be wrought, but only if we approach Him in prayer.

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Please take the pledge now to join the world in prayer on March 1. Then, share this pledge with others and remember to gather, rosary in hand. Together, with the intervention of Almighty God, we can help bring peace to those who know only trouble. 

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