As violence continues to escalate along the border between Cambodia and its neighboring kingdom, the Catholic Church in Cambodia has issued a heartfelt and urgent plea for peace. In a powerful statement, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Vicar Apostolic of Phnom Penh, called on Christians across the country to dedicate this Sunday, July 27, to prayer and reflection urging peace, healing, and dialogue amid the growing crisis.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a ‘third world war in pieces,’ as the late Pope Francis repeatedly stated, I too address the world’s leaders, repeating the ever-relevant appeal: ‘Never again war!’” said Bishop Schmitthaeusler in his message released on July 26, 2025.
Echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Schmitthaeusler warned against the risk of shattering the fragile peace that Cambodians have worked so hard to build through decades of sacrifice and suffering.
“The Risen Jesus never ceased to say to his apostles: ‘Peace be with you!’” the bishop reminded the faithful. “This peace which, after so many years of suffering, has allowed our country to develop, our people to make plans, and to live together in harmony must not be shattered.”
The Church in Cambodia including bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay communities has joined in a unified call for prayer. They are asking for divine intervention to bring a halt to the conflict and for guidance to political leaders to open a path toward immediate dialogue and reconciliation.
Communities are being encouraged to dedicate their prayer times through Taizé vigils, Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, and Sunday Masses to the intention of peace and fraternity between the two nations. Special prayers are also beingoffered for the dead and wounded, displaced families, fearful soldiers, and their loved ones.
“Brothers and sisters, prayer is our only weapon and shield today! Pray. Let us pray for peace! May the sound of gunfire cease! May dialogue for peace and reconciliation be renewed!” the bishop urged.
Bishop Schmitthaeusler concluded his message by joining Pope Leo XIV in entrusting this fervent appeal to the Queen of Peace, “so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace.”
The Church’s call comes at a critical moment, as the international community watches with growing concern. Cambodian Christians are now mobilizing spiritually, hoping that their united voices in prayer may help turn the tide from violence toward lasting peace.
The conflict began on July 24, when Thai soldiers shot and killed a Cambodian soldier along the border. After two days of fighting, Cambodia called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire with Thailand. However, Thailand has not responded and instead imposed martial law in the border areas.
At least 16 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced, according to data released by both countries.Thailand’s acting Prime Minister has warned that the border clashes could escalate into war, with fighting now involving heavy weapons across 12 locations.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilians and has evacuated nearby villages, while Cambodia has accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions delivered by F-16 fighter jets. Thailand has yet to respond to the allegations.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire and mediation offers from ASEAN and the United States, Thailand has rejected third-party involvement.
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