As wider war threatens Middle East, pope asks Mary to intercede

ROME (CNS) -- As fighting in the Middle East intensified and spread, Pope Francis turned to Mary, begging her to "intercede for our world in danger." With members of the Synod of Bishops, pilgrims, ambassadors accredited to the Vatican and Catholics from the Diocese of Rome, the pope led the recitation of the rosary for peace Oct. 6 at Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major.