Church in India supports Pope's appeal for peace

PANAJI

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) have expressed their steadfast support for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and his recent humanitarian cry for peace.

Amidst escalating conflicts and tensions the Middle East and Iran, the Holy Father’s appeal is a much-needed beacon of hope. Pope Leo XIV is truly a Channel of Peace, reflecting the profound spirit of St. Francis of Assisi's Prayer of Peace, stated the CBCI in a press note.

The CBCI strongly condemned US President Donald Trump for his recent irresponsible comments against the Pope.

“Trump’s unwarranted comments regarding the Holy Father were completely unnecessary and insulting to Christians all over the world. Furthermore, we categorically denounce Trump’s sharing of an AI-generated poster depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. Such depictions are not merely distasteful; they are a profound mockery of the divine,” the CBCI stated.

CBCI President Cardinal Poola Anthony stated: “We stand unequivocally with Pope Leo XIV in his moral duty to advocate for an end to war. The recent derogatory remarks and the disrespectful AI-generated depiction shared by Trump are unacceptable. They deeply wound the religious sentiments of believers everywhere. True leadership demands humility and reverence, not the denigration of global spiritual leaders or the sacred figures of our faith. We pray that wisdom and harmony prevail.”

The CBCI has invites all Christians in India to pray earnestly for peace in the world. Let us unite our hearts in asking for divine grace to heal the afflicted regions and bring harmony to all communities.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has also expressed its prayerful solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, endorsing his urgent appeal for peace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement issued today, the CCBI underscored the moral and spiritual significance of the Holy Father’s call, describing it as a timely reminder to the global community to choose dialogue over confrontation.

As violence, fear, and uncertainty continue to grip the region, the CCBI noted that the Pope’s voice remains a beacon of hope, urging nations to pursue peace through diplomatic and humanitarian means.

The statement highlighted the Holy Father’s repeated appeals to world leaders to cease hostilities, safeguard innocent lives, and engage in constructive dialogue. It also pointed to the grave humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, including widespread displacement, suffering, and loss of life, particularly among the most vulnerable.

Referring to recent global political tensions and public reactions surrounding the Pope’s peace appeal, the CCBI called for restraint and responsible leadership.

“Differences must be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect, not through aggression or inflammatory rhetoric,” the statement emphasised, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and peace.

The bishops also called upon the faithful, religious communities, and all people of goodwill to intensify their prayers for peace in the region, for wisdom among world leaders, and for the protection of innocent lives.