Bolawalana, Sri Lanka, 2026 March 7
Dear brothers and sisters,
We speak with deep concern as we witness the tragic escalation of violence and war in the Middle East. Before the eyes of the world, destruction answers destruction and the language of weapons has drowned out the language of dialogue. The greatest victims of this spiral of violence are innocent people – families displaced, children living in fear, and communities suffering immeasurable loss.
This painful reality reveals a troubling truth: our world often remains at the mercy of those who command weapons of destruction rather than those who advocate for peace. We implore those responsible for violence to stop the use of arms, protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance, and open paths toward an immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue. As the prophet reminds us, God desires a day when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation” (Is 2:4).
We lament the weakness of the international community in responding effectively to this tragedy. Institutions created to safeguard peace must not remain ineffective while conflicts escalate and cycles of retaliation deepen suffering. The dream of a world where nations, with all God-given diversities, coexist in dignity, justice, and mutual respect must not be abandoned.
We must also recognize the deeper roots of violence: the global trade in weapons, the normalization of retaliation, and the manipulation of religion or identity to justify hatred and division. The continued existence of nuclear weapons and other instruments of mass destruction poses a grave threat to humanity and to our common home.
Every person is a child of God, and the earth is our common home entrusted to our care. The name of God can never be invoked to attack another human being. No political interest or ideology can justify the destruction of human life or the denial of the dignity and rights of peoples.
We call upon leaders and nations to respect human dignity, international law, and human rights, choosing dialogue and negotiation over retaliation and violence, and working toward just and lasting political solutions.
To our Congregation, to those who share our mission, and to all people of goodwill: do not become indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. In many parts of the world we accompany communities living under the threat of violence and conflict. Let us strengthen our commitment to peacebuilding, advocacy for justice, and accompaniment of those who suffer.
We also recognize the importance of collaboration among religions in building peace. When believers work together in mutual respect, they witness that faith can be a source of reconciliation rather than division.
We invite our communities to prayer, fasting, and reflection for peace, in communion with Pope Leo XIV. Let us also use our ministries and social platforms to promote reconciliation, dialogue, and peacebuilding. When we respond with compassion, courage, and solidarity, we become co-workers with God in building a more fraternal and just world where violence gives way to reconciliation and the dignity of every person is respected.
Issued by Claretian Missionaries’ General Government and Major Superiors, united in prayer and solidarity with all who work for peace and reconciliation.
