Philippine Bishops Call for Peace, Dialogue Amid Global Conflicts

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a pastoral statement calling on Filipinos and the global community to choose peace, dialogue, and compassion amid escalating conflicts and violence in different parts of the world.

Released on May 20, 2026, the statement titled “A CBCP Pastoral Statement on Peace in a Wounded World” reflects the Philippine Catholic bishops’ concern over the worsening humanitarian crises affecting nations in the Middle East, Ukraine, Africa, and other conflict-stricken regions.

Led by CBCP President Gilbert A. Garcera, the bishops emphasized that war continues to inflict suffering not only on nations directly involved in armed conflict but also on ordinary families across Asia, including millions of Filipinos.

Quoting the Gospel of John, the statement reminded the faithful of Christ’s words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27), urging Christians to become “instruments and channels of peace” in a divided world.

The Philippine bishops expressed alarm over the growing normalization of violence, terrorism, hatred, and retaliation, stressing that every human life possesses God-given dignity regardless of nationality, religion, or culture.

The CBCP also highlighted the impact of global conflicts on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), many of whom are employed in the Middle East and other volatile regions. According to the bishops, wars abroad deeply affect Filipino families through fears for loved ones’ safety, economic instability, and rising costs of living back home.

“The economic consequences are also being felt in our country through rising fuel costs, higher prices for goods, transportation burdens, and renewed pressures on poor households already struggling to survive,” the statement read.

Addressing world leaders, the Philippine bishops appealed for diplomacy over aggression and dialogue over domination. They urged governments to reject revenge, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric while promoting justice, reconciliation, and the common good.

The CBCP also appealed to religious leaders from different faith traditions across Asia and the world to ensure that religion is never used to justify violence or extremism. Instead, they encouraged faith communities to become bridges of peace, fraternity, and compassion.

In its pastoral response, the bishops called on dioceses, parishes, schools, religious communities, and lay organizations throughout the Philippines to intensify prayers for peace, support humanitarian and charitable initiatives, and strengthen programs for vulnerable sectors affected by economic hardships.

The statement further encouraged Filipino Catholics to promote interreligious dialogue and mutual respect among peoples and cultures, especially in communities experiencing division and social tension.

The bishops warned the faithful against misinformation, hatred, and ideological extremism spread through propaganda and social media, emphasizing that the Christian conscience must always be guided by the Gospel and not by anger or prejudice.

Concluding the statement, the CBCP urged every parish to become “a sanctuary of prayer and reconciliation” and every Christian to be a witness to mercy, dialogue, and hope in a wounded world.