Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula on Wednesday urged the clergy and faithful to include a special intention for world peace in Good Friday prayers.
In Circular No. 2026–38, Advincula directed parishes and communities to add the intention during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, citing Paschalis Solemnitatis which allows diocesan bishops to prescribe special prayers “in case of grave public necessity.”
The appeal echoes Pope Leo XVI’s Palm Sunday homily, where he invited the Church to pray to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, for peoples wounded by war and for reconciliation.
“Just as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who today are truly sharing in his suffering. Their ordeal challenges all our consciences,” Advincula said.
The Cardinal emphasized the connection between Christ’s Passion and the suffering of those affected by conflict, urging the faithful to unite their prayers with those enduring violence.
He also shared the prayer to be offered:
For Peace in the World:
“Let us pray for peace throughout the world, especially in regions torn by conflict, that God, in His mercy, may dispel violence, cleanse hearts of greed and the abuse of power, and restore harmony among nations. O God, merciful and strong, who crush wars and cast down the proud, be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst and to wipe away all tears, so that we may all truly deserve to be called your children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”
Advincula concluded by inviting the faithful to bring “the sighs of sorrow and the hopes for peace of all humanity” to the foot of the Cross, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows.