Cambodian Catholic Leaders Issue Urgent Appeal for Ceasefire and Peace Amid Border Clashes

Catholic Church leaders in Cambodia issued a solemn appeal on December 12 for an immediate ceasefire following renewed hostilities along the Thai-Cambodian border. Expressing “deep sorrow and sadness,” the bishops called on national leaders to halt violence and return to diplomatic dialogue.

The appeal, released on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, opens with a reminder of Jesus’s words: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The statement emphasizes the Church’s belief in the inherent dignity of every human person and urges both governments to seek resolutions that uphold the common good.

Church leaders expressed particular concern for militaries and civilians who have lost their lives, as well as for families displaced by the fighting. They highlighted the plight of children, the sick, and vulnerable groups who have been forced from their homes and, in many cases, prevented from attending school.

The bishops also encouraged Catholics and “all people of good will” to take on the role of peacemakers by promoting understanding, offering support to displaced families, and praying for peace, especially during the Advent season as Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, welcoming Jesus, whom they called “the Prince of Peace.”

They further invited the public to join humanitarian efforts supporting the military and thousands of displaced people affected by the border conflict.

“May our shared humanity and commitment to peace guide us toward a brighter future, where love and compassion overcome hatred and division,” the statement read. It concluded with a prayer through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.

The appeal was signed by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh; Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly, Apostolic Administrator of Kompong Cham and Apostolic Vicar Coadjutor of Phnom Penh; Msgr. Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang.

Since December 7th-12th, the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, spanning over 500 kilometers, has again been subjected to heavy artillery shelling several times, causing Cambodian civilians to flee to safe locations.

As of now, on the Cambodian side, there have been 10 civilian deaths (including one infant), 60 wounded people, and 55,743 displaced families, totaling 192,173 people. This is according to data from the Ministry of National Defense on December 11, 2025.