Catholics are being encouraged to say a prayer and light a candle for peace on Tuesday 7 October.

In a pastoral letter, Bishop John Keenan writes: "It is two years since the terrible massacre in Israel and now the continuing atrocities in Gaza.

"We invite our brother priests to open their churches on that day for as long as possible so that everyone has the possibility to visit their parish, especially the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for a moment of prayer and to light a candle.

"Our world today is troubled by so many wars and conflicts; it is appropriate that we as Catholics pray individually and together on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary for the Holy Land, Gaza and Israel.

"Pope Leo has also asked all Catholics to pray the Rosary during the month of October for peace in our world."

A prayer for peace
God of peace and justice,
We pray for the people of the Holy Land:
Israeli and Palestinian, Jew, Christian and Muslim.
We pray for an end to acts of violence and terror.
We lift to you all who are fearful and hurting.
We ask for wisdom and compassion for those in leadership.
Above all, we ask that Jesus the Prince of Peace,
Establish lasting reconciliation and justice for the Holy Land and all nations. Amen.

Catholics are also being encouraged to contact their MP and download a template letter calling for more action to end the war. More details on the Justice & Peace Scotland website.