Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences Echoes Pope's Urgent Call for Global Peace and Dialogue
Panaji: In a significant pastoral appeal, the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), under the leadership of its president, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, has declared its unwavering solidarity with Pope Leo XIV. The FABC has powerfully reiterated the pontiff's urgent and impassioned plea for peace across the globe, calling for an immediate cessation of all ongoing hostilities.
An Appeal to Halt Violence and Uphold Humanitarian Norms
The conference has issued a direct and heartfelt appeal to "end ongoing hostilities and halt the spiral of violence that continues to claim innocent lives." The statement strongly advocates for a return to the negotiating table, emphasizing the critical need to respect established international law and fundamental humanitarian norms. It champions the pursuit of a path defined by moral diplomacy over the use of force.
Cardinal Ferrao, who also serves as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, addressed the current global climate, stating, "In a time when the fragility of international law and the weakening of global institutions are becoming increasingly evident, the temptation is strong to fall back on the logic of power—on force, deterrence and domination. Yet the Gospel calls us to a different path: the path of justice, dialogue and peace rooted in human dignity."
Rejecting Violence as a Foundation for Peace
The Cardinal further underscored the moral guidance provided by Pope Leo XIV, affirming, "We have heard with clarity the voice of Pope Leo, who reminds the world that violence can never be the foundation of a just and lasting peace, and that invoking God to justify war is a distortion of faith." This statement reinforces the Church's stance against conflating religious justification with acts of aggression.
In its pastoral appeal, aptly titled 'Blessed are the Peacemakers', the FABC draws upon the profound historical experiences of the Asian continent. The document notes, "Asia knows well the cost of war, the wounds of division and the long journey towards reconciliation. From our own histories, we have learned that peace is never achieved through domination but through patient dialogue, mutual respect and the difficult work of justice."
A Call to Action for Conscience and Hope
Positioning the Church as a vital instrument for global unity, the appeal declares, "As a Church that is called to be a sign and instrument of unity for the whole human race, we believe that we cannot remain silent. Our mission is not to wield power, but to form consciences, to speak truth, and to keep alive the hope that peace is possible."
The FABC extends a universal invitation, urging "all the faithful, and all people of goodwill, to join us in prayer and in action—for a world where conflicts are resolved not by weapons, but by wisdom; not by fear, but by trust." This concluding message serves as a powerful summons for collective effort towards building a more peaceful and just international order, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect.
