Manila archbishop Advincula calls for end to war in Easter message
MANILA, Philippines — The Archbishop of Manila, Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, called for an end to ongoing conflicts worldwide in his Easter Sunday message, urging the faithful to embrace the Resurrection of Jesus as a source of hope and action amid suffering.
“Christ is risen, alleluia! We celebrate Easter this year in a time of war – a ‘piecemeal’ Third World War, in the words of Pope Francis,” he said.
Highlighting the moral responsibility of believers, Cardinal Advincula denounced the “globalization of indifference” and the normalization of genocide, calling on governments and leaders to pursue justice and alleviate the suffering of people affected by war.
“Together with our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, I call for an end to this senseless war that has brought nothing but suffering and destruction,” Cardinal Advincula stressed.
“With my brother bishops, l appeal for accountability, for the relentless pursuit of justice in public governance, and for more urgent action to alleviate the agony of our people,” he added.
He described the global crisis as a source of immense suffering, including economic hardship, mental anguish, and the tragic loss of countless lives.He called on the faithful to not to romanticize Easter and emphasized that it is not just a festive tradition that can be diminished to mere greetings and sentimentality.
“Let us celebrate it as it truly is – the triumph of light over darkness, the victory of God over death, the gift of new life from the cold tomb,” he said.
He called the Resurrection “the most subversive and revolutionary message of Christianity,” urging the faithful to resist indifference and apathy.
The archbishop also reminded the faithful that Easter is a time for personal renewal and vigilance.
“An authentic celebration of Easter calls us to rise to a new life, with renewed fervor to remain awake and vigilant. Let us not waste the sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the cross,” Cardinal Advincula said. /gsg
