The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Sunday appealed to the faithful to pray for the people in Ukraine, saying it shared Pope Francis’ pain over Ukraine’s suffering due to Russia’s invasion.
“No one enjoys war except those who make money in the arms industry and benefit from the conflict among nations,” CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said in a statement.
The CBCP reiterated the appeal of Pope Francis to pray and fast on March 2, Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
“The CBCP is one with Pope Francis in his grief over the worsening condition of Ukraine,” David said, noting how the start of attacks happened on the same day that the Philippines commemorated the 36th anniversary of the bloodless uprising that restored democracy in the country.
“The Philippines served as an inspiration for many countries dreaming of liberty but are afraid of (achieving this) through bloody means,” he said.
“Now, Ukraine citizens are asking for prayers, especially the Catholic faithful who are located there,” David added.
The Caloocan bishop urged the Catholics to pray that the Russians would take a step to put an end to the conflict that its government had started.
In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis on Friday went to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See and met with the ambassador to discuss the invasion.
“He went to express his concern over the war,” Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesperson, told Reuters. (©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2022)
