As part of an effort to alleviate the repercussions of war in Ukraine, the bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, will pray the prayer of consecration of Russia and Ukraine at the same time as Pope Francis.

“In communion with Our Holy Father Pope Francis, I will pray the prayer of consecration of Russia and the Ukraine at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck,” the diocese posted on Facebook. Parishioners and the public are welcome to participate in “imploring the maternal intercession and protection of Our Blessed Mother for these two nations and peoples that this war will cease and that true peace will reign.”

The Bismarck Diocese joins other Catholic churches across the county in praying for peace. The calls for action come after Russian attacked Ukraine on Feb. 24. CNBC recently reported the urgency of the situation, saying that if Russia establishes even "patchy" control of Ukraine, "analysts predicted refugee flows of 5 million to 10 million people from Ukraine to Western Europe.”

Already, about 3 million people have fled Ukraine because of the conflict, according to an NPR report. Two-thirds of them, or almost 2 million, have ended up in neighboring Poland.

Another way Catholics can help is through Catholic Relief Services. The agency helps out after emergencies and disasters around the world. "We take a comprehensive approach to international disaster relief," the group says on its website. "As experienced first responders, we provide lifesaving help to get survivors back on their feet. Then we help people obtain the tools and skills they need to manage their own recovery.”

Pope Francis recently sent out a tweet saying that on March 25 he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a movement Bismarck will join.