The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India on April 14 expressed “prayerful solidarity” with Pope Leo XIV and endorsed his call for peace, as escalating tensions in the Middle East draw renewed appeals for diplomacy.
In a statement, the bishops backed the pope’s push for an end to violence and urged the international community to “choose dialogue over confrontation,” warning that “violence, fear, and uncertainty continue to grip the region.”
The statement reflects a growing alignment among Catholic leaders worldwide rallying behind the pope’s appeal, positioning the Church as a moral voice calling for restraint and humanitarian action amid deepening conflict.
The bishops reiterated the pope’s call for world leaders to cease hostilities, protect innocent lives, and pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
They also highlighted the humanitarian toll of the conflict, pointing to widespread displacement, suffering, and loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Amid heightened global reactions to the pope’s appeal, the bishops called for restraint in public discourse and leadership, warning against escalating rhetoric.
“Differences must be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect, not through aggression or inflammatory rhetoric,” the statement said.
Joining episcopal conferences around the world, bishops in India urged all parties involved to end violence immediately, uphold human dignity, and respect international humanitarian law.
The bishops also called for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to affected communities and renewed efforts toward a just and lasting peace.
They appealed to the faithful and people of goodwill to intensify prayers for peace, for wisdom among world leaders, and for the protection of innocent lives.
Reaffirming the Church’s mission, the statement cited the Gospel call: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).
