Catholics urged to pray, remain hopeful amid Middle East attacks

Filipino Catholic leaders on Sunday urged the faithful to pray and remain hopeful amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East.

In a social media post, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos called on the faithful to uphold their commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation.

“As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, to be aware of the suffering of others, and to stand firm in our commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation,” Santos said.

“Let us not be indifferent. Let us remain vigilant in prayer and steadfast in hope. May our voices rise to heaven, pleading for an end to violence and the coming of lasting peace,” he added.

Santos said conflicts between nations not only destabilize affected areas but also threaten global peace and impact people of all faiths.

“When war erupts, innocent lives are lost, families are torn apart, and hatred festers where love should reign,” he said.

He also reminded Filipinos in affected areas to stay in safe locations, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed authorities’ advisories.

“At this critical moment, I, together with your chaplains, wish to speak to our dear Filipino seafarers and migrants in the Middle East and neighboring regions. We hold you close in our prayers,” Santos said.

The bishop also shared a prayer for peace in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Manila requested that intentions for peace in the Middle East be included in the Prayer of the Faithful at every Mass starting Sunday.

In a circular memorandum, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula encouraged the faithful to pray the rosary for peace and reconciliation.

The appeal came as Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia Paolo Martinelli, OFM, called on the faithful to “remain united in prayer for peace” amid continuing attacks in the region.

The United States and Israel on Saturday launched airstrikes on Iran, with US President Donald Trump accusing Tehran of continuing to develop its nuclear program.

Israel said it carried out another wave of strikes on Sunday. Iranian authorities, for their part, vowed retaliation.

The Department of Migrant Workers earlier reported that Filipinos in the region have so far remained safe following the attacks.—MCG, GMA Integrated News