Pope Francis at the Vatican called for reconciliation and a global day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria.

It comes as the U.S. considers a potential military strike in the war torn region.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:

And thousands of Christians across the world heeded the call.

In Jerusalem, worshippers joined a vigil at the Mount of Olives, where Christians believed Jesus prayed before Roman soldiers arrested him and crucified him.

People in Bolivia marched through the streets of the capital carrying white flags a symbol of peace.

While in the U.S., protesters showed their opposition to military intervention to punish the Syrian government for an alleged chemical weapons attack in August.

And in Syria -- the focus of the world's attention -- Roman Catholics prayed that President Barack Obama would hold back from any strike.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SYRIAN MASS ATTENDEE, ELIAS, SAYING:

"We are not scared, but he