(SE): The leadership of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] issued a pastoral appeal entitled “Blessed are the peacemakers” on April 15, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace. The appeal called for an end to violence, a return to dialogue, respect for international law, and a pursuit of moral diplomacy grounded in the common good.
The FABC emphasised the importance of justice, dialogue, and peace rooted in human dignity, drawing inspiration from the gospel.
The statement was signed by federation president, Felipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao ; vice president, Virgilio Cardinal David; and Isao Cardinal Kikuchi.
It noted that the gospel “calls us to a different path: the path of justice, dialogue, and peace rooted in human dignity.”
The FABC said, “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,” stressing, “Our mission is not to wield power, but to form consciences, to speak truth, and to keep alive the hope that peace is possible.”
They prayed for “a world where conflicts are resolved not by weapons, but by wisdom; not by fear, but by trust.”
