Luxembourg hosts vigils for Syria conflict

Luxembourg's Archbishop is to hold a day of fasting and prayer for the victims of the Syrian conflict this Saturday.

Jean-Claude Hollerich is inviting parishioners to come to St Michel Church in the capital at noon on Saturday to pray for peace in the war-stricken country.

He also urged people to make financial donations to NGOs which alleviate the suffering of Syrians and those affected by the conflict.

Archbishop Hollerich's appeal comes after Pope Francis made a global appeal for followers of the Catholic faith to hold a day of fasting and prayer.

The parish of Luxembourg-Merl will also hold an evening mass and prayer vigil in Merl's church from 8pm to 10pm.

This week  it emerged that more than two million people had fled war-torn Syria and 4.25 million had been displaced because of conflict between rebels and pro-Assad forces.