Pakistan Archbishop Praises Country’s Role in Easing Middle East Tensions, Calls for Prayer

A Catholic prelate has commended Pakistan’s leadership for securing a temporary reprieve in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a press statement issued on April 10, 2026, Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi specifically highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role as a “key intermediary” in de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Archbishop Arshad praised Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, for their “continued efforts and commitment toward regional harmony,” noting that Pakistan’s active involvement serves as a stabilizing force during a period of global volatility.

“War and conflict bring immense suffering to humanity and threaten the fragile peace of the entire world,” the prelate said, reminding global stakeholders that peace is a “sacred gift” that must be safeguarded through justice rather than military might.

Earlier, Archbishop Arshad issued an official circular to all parishes and religious houses within his archdiocese on April 7, 2026. The circular aligns the local Church with the Urbi et Orbi message delivered by Pope Leo XIV on Easter Sunday, calling for a universal vigil of prayer for peace on April 11, 2026.

“The Catholic Church in Islamabad-Rawalpindi will join His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and turn to God with renewed trust,” Archbishop Arshad wrote. He invited the faithful to unite spiritually with the Holy Father, encouraging parishes to organize Eucharistic Adoration where possible, while those unable to attend church are urged to pray in groups or as families at home.

In both communications, Archbishop Joseph Arshad emphasized that as the Church prepares for the Feast of the Divine Mercy, the culmination of the Octave of Easter, the spiritual focus must remain on reconciliation.

“I wish to remind you once again that the final word in human history will never be violence, but mercy and peace,” the prelate noted.

Concluding his message, Archbishop Arshad entrusted Pakistan and the world to God’s mercy, praying that “peace may reach every human being” and that the “Lord of Mercy may guide nations toward a total transformation of hearts and grant peace to every corner of the world.”