Led by church people, including some Catholic Church leaders in the country, Filipinos participated in the Prayer Vigil for World Peace on April 11 enjoined by Pope Leo XIV. The day of prayer called to stop the US-Israel war on Iran and start dialogue and negotiation.

Pope Leo XIV recently condemned the fascist mad US president Donald Trump for his war on Iran. The Holy Father said Trump’s declarations to annihilate and destroy Iran’s civilization are “truly unacceptable” and violate international humanitarian law.

Related to this, Caritas Philippines president Most Rev. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza led the holy mass at Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, Manila. This was followed by a program, the ringing of bells, and the lighting of candles at Rajah Sulayman Park on Roxas Boulevard. Hayuma, Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, Our Lady of Remedies (Malate Church), and the group One Faith. One Nation. One Voice. (or One Voice) and other sectoral groups joined these.

“As Filipinos, we join in one voice: our cry for peace is for more than a durable ceasefire,” according to One Voice. They say it is a call for respect for the every country’s sovereignty, protection of their welfare, and assurance of social justice, freedom, and the common good.

“We join Holy Father Pope Leo XIV in praying for peace in Iran and around the world,” according to the group. They add that the war happening in the Middle East affects us all, and even in the Philippines, the people suffer the impact of skyrocketing oil and commodity prices.

The group condemned the death and destruction brought by foreign intervention and war because the poor suffer the most from it. “As superpowers seek domination and Imperialist occupation, many are harmed,” One Voice further stated. “We especially pray for the United States to stop their military attacks on other sovereign nations.”

The group called on Filipinos to join the journey and prayer for advancing peace. “God of All, give us courage to speak against US Wars of Aggression: in Iran, Palestine, Venezuela, Cuba, and other countries of the world,” the group’s prayer states.

“God of Courage, Embolden us to rise in solidarity with nations and peoples experiencing US intervention and interference. Help us to inspire people of faith, most especially in the USA, to stand together and advocate for peace throughout the world,” their prayer further states.

The group launched the full prayer on April 11. Church people are gathering signatures as support for the prayer for peace.