Cardinal Advincula Calls on Filipinos to Pray for Peace Amid Middle East War: 'May Every People Live in Tranquility and Freedom'
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has urged all Filipinos to join in prayer for peace as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate. In a statement released Sunday, the Cardinal implored the faithful to remember those suffering from the scourge of war.
'We pray for those who suffer because of the scourge of war that peace may be granted to them soon, and may every people live in tranquility and freedom,' Cardinal Advincula's statement reads. The message comes at a time when the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has reached its most intense point.
The Cardinal's call resonates deeply in a nation with hundreds of thousands of overseas workers in the Middle East. With Filipino communities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Riyadh, and other Gulf cities directly affected by missile strikes and retaliatory attacks, the plea for peace isn't abstract — it's deeply personal for millions of Filipino families.
As the head of the Archdiocese of Manila and one of the Philippines' most influential religious leaders, Cardinal Advincula's voice carries significant weight. The Catholic Church has historically played a major role in shaping Filipino public discourse, from the People Power revolution to modern-day social issues.
The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, enters March — National Women's Month — with the Middle East crisis, the upcoming VP impeachment hearings, and the Lenten season all converging. Cardinal Advincula's message of prayer and peace provides a spiritual anchor amid an increasingly turbulent period.
Source: The Manila Times
