Leyte, Samar bishops call for peace, prayers in Easter message

TACLOBAN CITY — Two Catholic church leaders in Eastern Visayas call for peace, unity, and compassion on Easter Sunday as global conflicts and tensions continue to affect communities around the world.

Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte centered his message on the hope brought by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging the faithful to become active instruments of peace during what he described as a time of “unrest and war.”He said that the peace of the Risen Christ should guide both personal actions and communal life.

“Christ is risen!” he said. “May the peace that comes from His Resurrection be with us, especially in this time of unrest and war. May we become instruments of peace for others, and may we continue praying for peace for the whole world.”Echoing this call, Bishop Nolly Buco of the Diocese of Catarman highlighted the need for dialogue, compassion, and unity in a divided world.

He pointed to the Resurrection as a reminder that hope is stronger than despair and peace stronger than war.

Bishop Buco urged the faithful not only to pray, but also to listen to the “cries of humanity,” particularly those affected by war, displacement, and fear.

He stressed that “dialogue is stronger than hostility, solidarity stronger than indifference, and compassion stronger than power,” framing these values as essential responses to global unrest.

Both Church leaders also underscored the broader mission of the Church in today’s context.

Bishop Buco referenced the ongoing synodal journey of the Catholic Church, which promotes walking together across cultures and nations in pursuit of reconciliation and justice.

He appealed toCatholics to become “builders of peace, defenders of human dignity, and servants of unity.”   /gsg