Philippine Bishops Call for Diocesan Prayer Vigils for World Peace on April 11

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged all dioceses nationwide to organize prayer vigils for world peace on April 11, 2026, in response to the appeal of Pope Leo XIV.

In a circular dated April 7, CBCP President Bishop Gilbert A. Garcera called on bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful to take part in the initiative, which coincides with the Holy Father’s invitation for a global day of prayer. The Vatican’s appeal, announced during the Pope’s recent Easter Urbi et Orbi message, invites the universal Church to unite in prayer amid growing global tensions and what he described as a “globalization of indifference.”

“In communion with the Holy Father, we respectfully encourage all dioceses to organize a prayer vigil on April 11, at any suitable time of the day, so that the faithful may spiritually join this universal initiative,” Garcera said.

The CBCP suggested that dioceses may hold Eucharistic adoration, the Holy Rosary, the celebration of the Holy Mass for peace, or other appropriate liturgical and devotional gatherings. Church leaders emphasized that the collective act of prayer is not only an expression of solidarity with the Pope but also a witness to the shared hope that peace, rooted in Christ, may prevail in hearts and across nations.

The CBCP also requested that the call be widely communicated to parishes, religious communities, and lay organizations to ensure broad participation in what it described as an urgent moment of ecclesial unity and intercession.

“Such a collective act of prayer will not only express our solidarity with the Holy Father but will also witness to our shared hope that true peace, which begins in Christ, may prevail in our hearts and in the world,” the circular read.

The bishops expressed hope for a strong response from the faithful, entrusting the initiative to prayer and goodwill.