Pakistan Bishops Lead Prayer for Peace, Urge Ceasefire amid Regional Tensions

The Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference organized a special “Prayer Service for Peace” on March 4, calling for an end to the ongoing conflicts in Asia and rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Bishops, religious leaders, and members of the Christian community gathered for the prayer service, offering intercessions for peace, reconciliation, and the safety of innocent people affected by violence and instability in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, and President  of the Pakistan Bishops’ Conference, said that the current wars represent “a dark chapter in human history.”

He emphasized that violence and armed conflict can never provide lasting solutions to human problems.

“War only increases hatred and destruction,” the bishop said, adding that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and sincere efforts toward reconciliation.

During the prayer gathering, participants held candles as a symbol of peace and unity. They also recited the Peace Prayer of Pope Leo, issued on the occasion of the Jubilee Year dedicated to Francis of Assisi.

Special prayers were offered for victims of war, displaced families, and political leaders around the world, asking that they work sincerely toward establishing peace and justice.

At the conclusion of the event, the organizers appealed to the international community to play an active role in ensuring an immediate ceasefire, promoting dialogue between nations, and providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflicts.

The bishops also urged people of all faiths to continue praying and working for peace, stressing that reconciliation and solidarity remain essential for building a just and peaceful world.