The Holy Father Pope Francis called on the faithful around the world to offer prayers and fasting for the nation and people of Afghanistan.

The Pope’s appeal came after praying the noonday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Thousands have fled Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover but many thousands more are trying to escape the war-torn country. Bombings have killed hundreds in the past week and there are reports of ongoing acts of violence, particularly against women and Afghans who support the deposed government and Western allies.

“Dear brothers and sisters, with great concern I am following the situation in Afghanistan, and I take part in the suffering of those who are grieving for the persons who lost their lives in the suicide attacks that happened last Thursday, and of those who are seeking help and protection,” Franci said. “I entrust the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God and I thank those who are striving to help that population so tried, in particular the women and children.

“I ask everyone to continue to help the needy and to pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of a peaceful and fraternal coexistence and offer hope for the country’s future. In historic moments like this one, we cannot remain indifferent; the history of the Church teaches us this. As Christians this situation obligates us.

“For this reason, I address an appeal, to everyone, to intensify your prayer and practice fasting. Prayer and fasting, prayer and penance. This is the moment to do so. I am speaking seriously: intensify your prayer and practice fasting, asking the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.”

Bishops of the United States, Australia, Ireland, and England and Wales have called for their respective nations to take refugees from Afghanistan. The situation in the nations remains unstable as people attempt to get on flights from the Kabul airport.

‘During the rule of the previous Emirate of Afghanistan (1996 to 2001), the Taliban imposed a strict version of sharia law nationwide. We can expect that Sunni Islam will be the official religion, Sharia law will be reimposed, and hard-won freedoms for human rights, including a relative measure of religious freedom, over the last 20 years will be revoked,”  said Thomas Heine-Geldern, executive president of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).