The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences issued an appeal for dialogue in the face of a war that is spreading from the Middle East. Asia’s Catholic bishops call for an “immediate cessation of hostilities”, urging the “leaders of the great religious traditions present in the region, to witness together to the sacredness of life.” The prelates also call on Christian communities to “Intensify prayer”.

Milan (AsiaNews) – The Catholic bishops of Asia have taken a joint stance to express the continent's concern over the war that is spreading from the Middle East and to call for an immediate ceasefire. Below is the full text of the appeal issued in Bangkok by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).

The Central Committee of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), gathered together in Bangkok, in a spirit of synodal communion, expresses its deep anguish and grave concern over the renewed escalation of violence in the Middle East. The recent cycles of bombardment and retaliation, involving major global and regional powers, risk plunging the region and the world into a conflict of incalculable human and economic consequences. As a continent, we are particularly concerned about this conflict.

We echo the urgent appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who reminds us that peace cannot be built on threats or weapons that sow destruction, pain, and death. Stability cannot arise from fear, nor can justice be secured through violence. Only sincere, responsible, and sustained dialogue can open pathways toward a just and lasting peace.

From our Asian context, marked by rich religious diversity, deep cultural traditions, and the daily struggles of the poor, we affirm that peace is not merely the absence of war. It is the fruit of justice, the work of dialogue, and the patient building of trust among peoples. War, by contrast, disproportionately wounds the most vulnerable: the poor, the displaced, children, and future generations.

In fidelity to the pathways we have discerned together as the Churches of Asia, we humbly present the following appeals:

• We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to exercise moral responsibility, resisting the spiral of escalation that leads only to deeper suffering and irreversible loss.

• We urge the restoration of diplomacy as the primary instrument for resolving conflicts. Dialogue, however difficult, remains the only path that respects the dignity of peoples and the sovereignty of nations.

• We encourage interreligious solidarity, especially among leaders of the great religious traditions present in the region, to witness together to the sacredness of life

• We renew our commitment to stand with the poor and the victims of war, whose cries often go unheard amid geopolitical calculations. Their suffering must remain at the center of all efforts toward peace.

We earnestly, we invite all our local Churches across Asia in this season of Lent to intensify prayer, fasting, and concrete acts of solidarity for peace. In our journey as pilgrims of hope, we refuse to surrender to despair. We believe that even in the darkest hours, the Spirit continues to open paths toward reconciliation.

May Mary, Queen of Peace, accompany the peoples of the Middle East and intercede for our wounded world.

For the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, in communion and hope.

+Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao

President of FABC

+Cardinal Pablo David

Vice President of FABC

+Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, SVD

Secretary General of FABC

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