Church asks faithful to pray for Middle East, world peace
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila on Sunday asked the faithful to pray for peace amid the escalating tension in the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran over the weekend, resulting in retaliatory airstrikes.
Cardinal Jose Advincula, Manila archbishop, called on the clergy, communities of consecrated persons and lay collaborators in the archdiocese to offer prayers for world peace.
“His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula requests that we pray the additional intentions in the Prayer of the Faithful during all our daily Masses starting today, 1 March 2026,” read the circular order signed by Chancellor Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr.
“We earnestly pray for peace in the Middle East and the world. May God purify the world of all violence, greed, and misuse of power that bring suffering and death to many. Let us pray to the Lord. 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. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Arada also urged praying the rosary every day “for peace and reconciliation” and during all Masses for peace and the security of all people in the Middle East.
“The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, His Excellency Most Reverend Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap, issued an appeal in light of the escalating situation in the Middle East, urging us to remain united in prayer for peace,” he said.
‘Avoid unnecessary travel’
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, asked the people to pray for peace to reign.
“At this critical moment, I, together with your chaplains, also wish to speak to our dear Filipino seafarers and migrants who are in the Middle East and in neighboring regions,” Santos said.
“We hold you close in our prayers. For your safety and well-being, I strongly advise you to remain in your respective homes and places of work, to avoid unnecessary travel, and to faithfully follow the instructions of our Embassy officials and all legitimate authorities. Your prudence and cooperation are vital during this time of uncertainty.”
He said the conflict threatens not only the stability of the Middle East but also the peace of the world, thus the need to “remain vigilant in prayer and steadfast in hope.”
“It affects Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all people who long for a world where justice and mercy prevail. When war erupts, innocent lives are lost, families are torn apart and hatred festers where love should reign,” Santos said.
