FABC statement on the escalating conflict in the Middle East
Bangkok/Hong Kong(SE): Asia’s Catholic bishops have issued an urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and renewed commitment to dialogue following a dangerous escalation of violence in the Middle East.
The call came during the meeting of the Central Committee and Offices of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC], held from March 2–6 at the Camillian Pastoral Care Centre in Bangkok. Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. participated as the Diocese of Hong Kong has been a member of the Central Committee since last year. Hong Kong is an associate member of the FABC.
In a statement released on March 3, the FABC Central Committee expressed “deep anguish and grave concern” over the renewed violence following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran on neighbouring Arab states.
Signed by FABC president Filipe Neri Ferrão, vice president Pablo Virgilio David, and secretary general Isao Kikuchi, the statement warned that “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.”
The bishops said, “As a continent, we are particularly concerned about this conflict,” noting Asia’s own experiences of war, poverty and displacement.
Referring to an appeal made by Pope Leo XIV on March 1, the statement reiterated that peace cannot be built on threats or weapons. “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,” the statement said.
Drawing on Asia’s “rich religious diversity, deep cultural traditions, and the daily struggles of the poor,” the bishops stressed that peace is more than the absence of war. They warned that armed conflict disproportionately harms the most vulnerable, including the poor, displaced families, children and future generations.
The statement called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to exercise moral responsibility by resisting further escalation. It also appealed for the restoration of diplomacy as the primary means of resolving conflict, emphasising that dialogue, however difficult, is the only path that respects human dignity and national sovereignty.
The bishops further encouraged interreligious solidarity, especially among leaders of the major religious traditions in the Middle East, to give common witness to the sacredness of human life. They renewed their commitment to stand with the poor and victims of war, whose suffering, they said, must remain central to all peace efforts.
Addressing local Churches across Asia, including Hong Kong, the FABC invited the faithful during the Lenten season to intensify prayer, fasting and concrete acts of solidarity for peace. “As pilgrims of hope, we refuse to surrender to despair,” the statement said, expressing confidence that the Spirit continues to open paths toward reconciliation even in dark times.
The statement concluded with a prayer entrusting the peoples of the Middle East to Mary, Queen of Peace, and asking her intercession for a wounded world.
